UP Governor objects to Ram Govind's election as Leader of Opposition

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Tuesday registered his objection to Samajwadi Party leader Ram Govind Chaudhary's elevation as the Leader of Opposition in the 17^th Vidhan Sabha of the state.

The UP Governor has written an official letter to the newly formed government claiming that the Chaudhary's appointment as the Leader of Opposition is unconstitutional. It may be mentioned that on Monday, outgoing Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey had given his nod to Chaudhary's selection.

Also Read: Ram Govind Chaudhary elevated as leader of opposition in UP assembly

"Mata Prasad Pandey, who was the speaker of the 16^th Vidhan Sabha, issued a notification on the last day of his current tenure (Match 27, 2017) elevating Ram Govind Chaudhary as the Leader of Opposition for the 17^th legislative assembly, which is a clear violation of Article 175(2) of the Indian Constitution," said Ram Naik in his letter.

"The Leader of Opposition for the 17^th Vidhan Sabha can only be recognised by the Speaker of the same legislative assembly," he added.

This is the first such instance in any state of the country where the Leader of Opposition has been named by the outgoing Assembly Speaker.