● An MLA can be disqualified on many grounds. ◌ On grounds of defection, the Speaker decides the disqualification . Hence, Assertion is NOT correct . ◌ If he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or a state or an office declared by a law of the state, he can be disqualified. ◌ If any competent court declares any member to be of unsound mind, then the MLA is disqualified. ◌ Under Article 192 of the Constitution, “if any question arises as to whether or not the member of a house of the legislature of a state has become subject to any of the disqualification criteria, the question shall be cited to the Governor of the State for decision who will act as per the opinion of the Election Commission (EC) .” ● In the State Government, Governor is the nominal (de jure) head while Chief Minister is the real (de facto) head . Hence, Reason is correct.