Relationship with the Governor

The relationship between the Chief Minister and the Governor is defined by constitutional conventions. The Governor, as the constitutional head of the state, appoints the Chief Minister and acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. While the Governor’s role is largely ceremonial, they do have certain discretionary powers in times of political crisis.

In simple terms, the Chief Minister is the real leader of the state, and the Governor ensures that the state government functions within the constitutional framework. This relationship is critical during situations such as hung assemblies, where the Governor’s decision on inviting a particular leader to form the government can become a subject of intense public debate.

Recent examples from various states have shown that when disagreements arise, clear communication and adherence to constitutional norms help in resolving conflicts between the Governor and the Chief Minister.