Faced with criticism, especially from the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in the State for his “proactive” role, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Thursday said he has always acted like a bridge between the Centre and the State well within the Constitutional boundaries.
“Whatever I have done is well within the limitations of Constitutional boundaries,” Mr. Naik, who completed two years in office on Thursday, told a press conference to a query on the prolonged disagreement between the State government and Raj Bhawan regarding nomination of Vidhan Parishad members and Lokayukta and the allegation against him of “working like a political leader”.
Regarding Sanjay Seth, whose name as MLC was turned down by him leading to his subsequent election to Rajya Sabha, Mr. Naik said: “Sometimes, my style of functioning helps the people. I did not nominate Sanjay Seth to Vidhan Parishad as a member. It benefited him. He went to Rajya Sabha and was also nominated the treasurer of the ruling party.”
Mr. Naik, however, refused to comment on a recent suggestion to abolish the post of Governor, saying it was beyond his limits. “In a federal system, the post of Governor has always been relevant as he functions as a bridge between the Centre and the State,” he said.
“I have always made an effort to ensure that such a situation does not arise in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
Releasing a 102-page book, titled ‘Ram Naik in Raj Bhawan, 2015-2016’, the Governor said he had been releasing a report of his activities every year since he came into public life.
He said Raj Bhawan was now “easily accessible” for the people and its activities were reaching them through media releases.
Mr. Naik claimed to have met 6,682 people in 2015-16 and received 42,865 letters on which action was taken.
He said during the period, he sent 23 letters to the President, 55 to the Prime Minister, 93 to the Vice-President and other union ministers and 398 to the Chief Minister.
During the same period, 28 bills came under his consideration of which, 20 were approved, five were referred to the President, two were sent back to the State government and only one was still under his consideration, he added.
Regarding his tenure as the Chancellor of state universities, Mr. Naik said convocation ceremonies of 20 of the 22 universities were held on time.- PTI
