'Keeping close watch' on volatile political situation: Naik

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik today said the Raj Bhavan was "keeping a close watch" on the volatile political situation in the state, resulting from a bitter internal feud in the ruling Samajwadi Party but ruled out ordering a floor test as demanded by opposition parties.
"We are keeping a close watch... This is being done so that we may intervene effectively in case of a crisis", Naik told reporters.
He was replying to queries about the ongoing political tug of war between factions led by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle and senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav.
In reply to another query, the Governor said "there have been demands by some parties for a floor test. Their contention is that due to the rift within the ruling party, the government in the state has ceased to enjoy the confidence of a majority of the members of the state assembly".

"But we need to remember that this is election season for UP and in times like these parties tend to make contentions that are over the top", he added.
The Governor, who was here to take part in the convocation ceremony at an agricultural institute on the outskirts of the city, refused to speak further on the issue.
"I am holding a constitutional post and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the affairs of a political party," Naik added
Yesterday, Shivpal, who has been made SP's state unit chief by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in place of Akhilesh, expelled seven party functionaries, including three MLCs, considered close to Akhilesh.