Question

The powers and function of the Chief Minister of the state are analogous to _________
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Governor
D. Vice-President

Answer 1

Hint: Chief Minister is considered to be the real executive and the de facto head of the State. He heads the State government’s Council of Minister and advises the Governor for their appointment.

Complete Step by Step Answer: The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party of the house or the leader chosen by the largest coalition to be appointed as the Chief Minister of the State. This provision has been stated in Article 164 of the Constitution of India.
The powers and functions of the Chief Minister are as follows:
1. With respect to the Governor – According to Article 167 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister has to communicate to the Governor in matters relating to the administration of the States. He has to provide the Governor, whenever he calls for any information regarding the administration or decisions taken by the Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister also advises the Governor regarding the appointment of important officials like the Attorney General or the State Election Commission or State Public Service Commission etc.
2. With Respect to the State Council of Ministers – The Chief Minister advises the Governor to appoint ministers and only on the advice of the CM, the Governor will appoint the ministers. The Chief Minister can ask any minister to resign in case of difference of opinion. The CM also directs, controls and guides the activities of all the ministers. In case the CM resigns the whole cabinet has to resign.
3. The CM announces all policies on the floor of the house. He further advises the Governor in matters relating to summoning or proroguing the session of the State Legislative Assembly from time to time.
There are also certain miscellaneous functions which the Chief Minister exercises like the chairman of the State Planning Commission or the vice-chairman of the concerned zonal council in rotation for a period of one year or acts as a crisis manager in the state during emergencies.
Thus, the correct answer option ‘B’ as the powers and functions of the Chief Minister are analogous to the Prime Minister.

Note: Students often confuse themselves with Union level Executive and State Level Executive. The Union level Executive consists of the President, the Vice-President and the Council of Ministers. While the State Level Executive consists of the Governor, the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers.