‘Keeping close watch’ on volatile political situation: Naik

Allahabad, Sep 20 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naiktoday said the Raj Bhavan was "keeping a close watch" on thevolatile political situation in the state, resulting from abitter internal feud in the ruling Samajwadi Party but ruledout ordering a floor test as demanded by opposition parties. "We are keeping a close watch… this is being done sothat we may intervene effectively in case of a crisis", Naiktold reporters. He was replying to queries about the ongoing politicaltug of war between factions led by Chief Minister AkhileshYadav and his uncle and senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav. In reply to another query, the Governor said "there havebeen demands by some parties for a floor test. Theircontention is that due to the rift within the ruling party,the government in the state has ceased to enjoy the confidenceof a majority of the members of the state assembly". "But we need to remember that this is election season forUP and in times like these parties tend to make contentionsthat are over the top", he added. The Governor, who was here to take part in theconvocation ceremony at an agricultural institute on theoutskirts of the city, refused to speak further on the issue. "I am holding a constitutional post and it would not beappropriate for me to comment on the affairs of a politicalparty," Naik added Yesterday, Shivpal, who has been made SP’s state unitchief by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in place of Akhilesh,expelled seven party functionaries, including three MLCs,considered close to Akhilesh.PTI NAC RCJ RGRCJ