Question

Explain the powers of the chief minister.

Hint:

A good way to structure the answer is by categorizing the Chief Minister's powers into three relationships: (1) with the Council of Ministers, (2) with the Governor, and (3) with the State Legislature. This covers all aspects of his/her role.

Answer 1

The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government. While the Governor is the nominal head (de jure), the Chief Minister exercises the real executive authority (de facto). The powers and functions of the Chief Minister are analogous to those of the Prime Minister at the central level and can be studied under the following heads:
1. In Relation to the Council of Ministers: - Formation of the Ministry: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor. He then recommends the names of persons to be appointed as ministers to the Governor. The Governor can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.
- Allocation of Portfolios: He allocates and can reshuffle portfolios among the ministers.
- Head of the Cabinet: He presides over the meetings of the state cabinet and influences its decisions. He guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
- Removal of Ministers: He can ask a minister to resign. In case of a difference of opinion, he can advise the Governor to dismiss the minister. His own resignation or death automatically leads to the dissolution of the entire council of ministers.
2. In Relation to the Governor: - Principal Channel of Communication: The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. It is his duty to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of the state and proposals for legislation.
- Advises on Appointments: He advises the Governor with regard to the appointment of important officials like the Advocate General, Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission, State Election Commissioner, etc.
3. In Relation to the State Legislature: - Leader of the House: As the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister is the leader of the House.
- Summoning and Proroguing Sessions: He advises the Governor with regard to summoning and proroguing the sessions of the state legislature.
- Dissolution of the Assembly: He can recommend the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly to the Governor at any time.
- Announcing Government Policies: He announces the principal policies of the government on the floor of the House.