Topic: Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
4) Discuss the constitutional procedure involved in selecting a successor in case of death of a sitting chief minister.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in the backdrop of new chief minister Pramod Sawant facing a floor test in the legislative assembly of Goa necessitated by the death of sitting chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain the procedure involved in electing the chief minister in case of death of the sitting chief minister in office.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with importance of chief minister of a state in the polity of any state machinery in a line or two.
Body:
Discuss that In India, a chief minister is the elected head of government. According to the Constitution of India, the Governor is a state’s de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the chief minister. Following elections to the state legislative assembly in a state, the state’s governor usually invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government. The governor appoints and swears in the chief minister.
The governor may exercise situational discretion if no party has clear majority. He may ask a leader to become chief minister and then prove his majority on floor of the house.
In case the chief minister dies and no successor is present then the governor may appoint one at his discretion but if the ruling party has a nominee then the governor has no choice but to appoint that person.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of constitution and appreciate its foresightedness in situations of inevitability.
