Uttar Pradesh Governor-designate Ram Naik has expressed concern over the law and order situation in the State and said he would endeavour to protect both the spirit of the Constitution and life of the common man. Naik will take oath of office and secrecy on July 22 in lucknow.
In a media interaction here, Naik faced a volley of questions on the law and order situation in the State and how he would handle pressure from a section of the BJP for imposition of President’s Rule in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
“The law and order situation in UP is bad. A similar situation prevails in many other States too,” Naik said.On a specific question whether he was concerned about the reported lawlessness in the State, Naik said: “law and order ki halat to khasta hai wahan. (The situation is bad).”
On demand for imposition of President’s Rule in the State, Naik said he would study the problem after taking over as Governor and file his report to the Centre in accordance with Constitutional norms. “Whatever steps I take will be in accordance with the Constitution, but I’ll surely try to ensure that the aam admi feels secure,” he said.
Naik was also critical of the state of higher education in UP and said he would try his best to improve the situation.Naik had a series of meetings in the national Capital on Thursday. He called on BJP president Amit Shah and submitted his resignation from all party posts. later, he met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP general secretary Ram lal. His last important
port of call was Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he recalled old times with President Pranab Mukherjee.”I talked about my old association with the President, who gave me a volume of the Indian Constitution and reminded me that I was supposed to protect its spirit,” Naik said.Naik said he would take oath of office on July 22 at 5 pm in lucknow.A five-time MP and former Union Petroleum Minister, Naik said he would try to act as a bridge between the State and the Centre and take up the State’s concern with the NDA Government.
“There are several areas, for example, law and order, where the State and the Centre can work in close coordination. I’ll surely try to bring that coordination,” he said.He also mentioned the clean Ganga project as one such area where the State Government and the Centre could work together.