Article 153-167 in part six of the constitution deals with the state executive, therefore the constitution provides for a separate federal government with a distinct administrative setup. A state government is a branch of government that is responsible for enacting and enforcing state laws. State governments are used by some modern nations, like the United States, Australia, and India, to administer local concerns. Typically, state governments are in charge of administering a state’s or region’s local demands and concerns.

Governor

The Constitution has assigned a dual role for the governor, he is a constitutional head of the state as well as representative of the centre (President).

• The Governor is the State’s chief executive. But, like the President, he/she is only a ceremonial head of State (titular or constitutional head).
• Normally, each State has its own Governor, but the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 made it easier to appoint the same individual to serve as Governor of two or more States.
• All the executive actions of the state governments are to be taken in his/her name.
• As an integral part of the state legislature he can summon, prorogue or dissolve the state legislative assembly.
• His/Her financial powers enable him/her to introduce an annual financial statement in the assembly.
• Possess constitutional discretion in various scenarios.

Chief Minister

Chief Minister is the de facto executive authority at the level of state under Article 164 of the Constitution. De facto means real power at state level is concentrated in the hands of Chief Minister. He/She is the head of the government. His /Her position at state level is analogous to the position of Prime Minister at the Centre. 

Appointment Process

• Constitution has not prescribed any specific procedure for the selection and appointment of the Chief Minister.
• Therefore according to convention of parliamentary form of government, governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the state legislature as Chief Minister.
• In case of lack of clear cut majority, governor usually appoints the memthe leader of the largest party or coalition in the assembly as the Chief Minister.
• If the chief minister in office dies suddenly and there is no obvious successor, the governor has the discretion to appoint any person as Chief Minister. however, if the ruling party elected a new leader, the governor has no choice but to appoint that person as Chief Minister.
• Governor can first appoint a person as CM and ask him/her to prove majority within reasonable period as Constitution does not require that a person must prove majority before appointment as CM.
• If the CM does not become a member of either house within six months, he/she loses position as CM. The governor appoints the CM, but the governor cannot dismiss him/her until have a majority in the house.

Term of the Chief Minister

• The Chief Minister’s term is not fixed, and he serves at the pleasure of the governor.
• He can’t be dismissed by the governor as long as enjoys majority support in the Legislative Assembly.
• He can also be removed from office if the State Legislative Assembly passes a vote of no confidence against him/her.