Chief Minister

In the labyrinthine structure of India’s administrative machinery, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stands as a pivotal hub of power and decision-making. The CMO, under the aegis of the Chief Minister, serves as the nerve center where policies are conceived, strategies devised, and governance orchestrated. Its significance is not only confined to the state level but reverberates across the national landscape, particularly for aspirants eyeing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations.

The Chief Minister holds the position of the head of the state government. Although the governor serves as the formal executive, the Chief Minister is the practical executive who holds the real power within the government. This practical executive is referred to as the “de facto” executive, meaning they exercise authority in reality, regardless of whether it is formally granted or not.

Constitutional Provision

Appointment

Similar to the Prime Minister, the appointment process of the Chief Minister is not explicitly outlined in the Indian Constitution.
According to Article 164 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is responsible for appointing the Chief Minister. However, this appointment is subject to certain provisions.
The Chief Minister is typically chosen from the party that secures the majority of votes in the assembly elections.
In cases where no single party achieves a majority, the Governor exercises discretion to appoint a Chief Minister, usually from the largest party or a coalition.
If the incumbent Chief Minister passes away while in office, the Governor can appoint a successor at their discretion. However, the ruling party usually nominates a candidate, whom the Governor typically appoints.
It’s possible for a person not affiliated with either house of the State Legislature to be appointed as Chief Minister. However, within six months of assuming office, they must be elected to either house, or they cease to hold the position.
The Chief Minister is eligible to belong to either house of the State Legislature.

Term of Office

Chief Minister’s tenure isn’t predetermined, and they serve at the discretion of the governor.

The governor lacks the authority to dismiss the Chief Minister arbitrarily.
The Chief Minister can only be dismissed by the governor if they lose the support of the majority in the house.
In such a scenario, the Chief Minister is required to resign, and the governor subsequently dismisses them.

Functions and Power

The Chief Minister of the state carries out various duties concerning different entities:

In Relation to the Council of Ministers

The Chief Minister serves as the leader of the state council of ministers and carries out the following duties:

Advising the governor on ministerial appointments
Assigning or rearranging ministerial portfolios
Requesting the resignation of a minister if necessary
Chairing meetings of the council of ministers
Exercising guidance and control over the activities of all ministers
The resignation of the Chief Minister results in the dissolution of the entire council of ministers.

In Relation to the Governor

Communicating all activities and decisions of the council of ministers to the governor.
Providing information about administrative affairs to the governor upon request.
Informing the governor about any decisions made by a minister when these decisions have not been deliberated upon by the council.
Advising the governor on the appointment of key positions such as the Advocate-General, Chairman of the state public service commission, and the state election commission.

In Relation to the State Legislature

As the leader of the house, the Chief Minister undertakes the following responsibilities:

Providing essential advice to the governor before the prorogation and summoning of state legislative sessions.
Recommending the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly to the governor, which can occur at any time.
Making official announcements regarding government policies on the floor of the house.

Additionally, the Chief Minister undertakes the following responsibilities:

Chairing the State Planning Board
Serving as the vice-chairperson of the relevant zonal council on a rotational basis, holding the position for one year at a time
Being a member of the Inter-State Council and National Development Council, both presided over by the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister acts as the primary spokesperson for the state government.
In times of crises, the Chief Minister serves as the chief political crisis manager.
As the leader of the state, they engage with diverse segments of the population, receiving memoranda and addressing their concerns.
They hold the position of the political head of the services.