In India, by whom is the Chief Minister appointed?

The correct answer is Governor.

Key Points

• Chief Minister:
  • According to Article 164 in the Indian Constitution, the Governor appoints a Chief Minister.
  • The state's chief minister is chosen from among the leaders of the parties that received the majority of the votes cast in the assembly elections.
  • The Chief Minister has actual executive authority, with the Governor serving as the de facto head of state.
  • The term of the Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the governor.
  • As long as he has the backing of the majority in the legislature, the governor cannot remove him.
  • He may also be dismissed by the State Legislative Assembly if a vote of no confidence is passed against him.
  • A non-legislative member of the state legislature may be designated as Chief Minister for a period of six months, after which he must be elected to the state legislature, failing which he will no longer hold the position.

• The Governors of states:

  • Governors have been discussed under Article 153 to Article 162 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The Governor is the constitutional head of a state in India and is responsible for the administration of the state.
  • Under Article 155, the appointment of the Governor is done by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
  • He/She holds office at the pleasure of the President, which means that the President can remove the Governor from office at any time without assigning any reason.
  • The term of governor's office is normally 5 years but it can be terminated earlier.
  • He/She can also resign from his/her office by addressing the resignation letter to the President.
  • Under Article 157, the qualifications for appointment as a Governor are: A Governor must
    • be an Indian citizen and reside in the country.
    • attain an age of a minimum of 35 years.
    • not be a member of both houses of the parliament and the house of the state legislature.
    • not hold any office for generating profit.

Additional Information Prime Minister:

• The Prime Minister of India is the head of the government at the centre.
• Under Article 75, he/she is appointed by the president of India if he/she has the confidence of the majority of Lok Sabha members.
  • He can recommend a person's name for the post of Governor to the President.
  • Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with a Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.