Nepal's ruling Congress party has suspended Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, a day after King Gyanendra dissolved parliament and called fresh general elections.

Mr Deuba had recommended the dissolution in defiance of the party, three of whose ministers resigned from his cabinet earlier on Thursday in protest at the move.

Mr Deuba's future is uncertain

The king's call came just hours before MPs were to debate extending the state of emergency imposed to fight Maoist rebels - a motion which looked set to be defeated and which Congress opposed.

This is the first time in 12 years of parliamentary democracy that a Nepalese PM has been suspended from his own party, and the move has plunged the kingdom into deep constitutional uncertainty.

The government insists Mr Deuba has the right to remain in office, but his enemies are likely to go to court to try to remove him.

Information Minister Jaya Prakash Gupta told the BBC Mr Deuba could serve as caretaker prime minister until fresh elections were held on 13 November and a new government emerged.

Correspondents say emergency rule, which is due to expire on Saturday, could now be extended by the king.

War in Nepal

At least 4,000 dead since 1996 Half of deaths in past five months alone Emergency declared in November 2001 after peace talks stalled

Mr Deuba will make a televised address to the nation on Friday to explain his decision.

He says he wants the emergency extended because it will help the military offensive against the Maoists.

His opponents say emergency powers are being abused, and existing anti-terrorism laws are sufficient.

'Conspiracy'

Leaders from all parties were shocked when parliament's dissolution was announced as its summer session was just about to start.

For the love of his chair he has plunged the nation, the people and democracy toward a grave accident

United Marxist-Leninist party

Three of Mr Deuba's closest ministers resigned in protest.

One of them, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat, complained that he had been kept in the dark over the plans.

In a statement, the Congress party accused Mr Deuba of a conspiracy aimed at derailing the country's young democracy, and threatened him with expulsion.

It had ordered him to withdraw the motion seeking MPs' approval to extend the six-month-old state of emergency.

Resignations

Opposition parties, in control of 92 of parliament's 205 seats, had also planned to vote against the motion, which required a two-thirds majority to be passed.

The main opposition United Marxist-Leninist (UML) party accused Mr Deuba of pursuing his own interests.

"For the love of his chair he has plunged the nation, the people and democracy toward a grave accident," said Bharat Mohan Adhikari, its chief whip.

Correspondents point out that the party must be aware it is likely to do well in elections against a split Congress party.