A new government has been formed in Andhra Pradesh with TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu taking the oath as the Chief Minister. Power Star and Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Previously former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy set precedent by appointing five Deputy Chief Ministers in Andhra Pradesh. This trend has emerged over the past decade. It has gained traction in various states.
Is the Position of Deputy Chief Minister Constitutional?
According to Article 163(1) of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is aided and advised by a Council of Ministers. It is headed by the Chief Minister in the exercise of their functions. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and on their advice, appoints other ministers. However the Constitution does not explicitly mention the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Therefore, while the Deputy Chief Minister may be assigned various portfolios. They may be given a position in the cabinet. They are not constitutionally recognized as having distinct role. They do receive special protocol and security due to their status.
How Powerful is the Deputy Chief Minister Compared to the Chief Minister?
The Deputy Chief Minister receives same salary and allowances as other cabinet ministers. The Chief Minister may provide additional security if necessary. However the Deputy Chief Minister does not possess specific financial or administrative powers. They are appointed by the Chief Minister. They can be removed or replaced at the Chief Minister’s discretion. This is particularly true if political alignments change.
Since the position is not constitutionally recognized, the Deputy Chief Minister has no formal authority. Their role is akin to that of other cabinet ministers. They have assigned departments and responsibilities. In the hierarchy of the cabinet the Deputy Chief Minister is often regarded as holding the second-highest position. This is more a matter of convention than constitutional mandate.
In practice the Deputy Chief Minister does not have power to approve every file that goes to the Chief Minister. Unlike bureaucratic structures where a Deputy Director must review a file before it reaches the Director. The Deputy Chief Minister only handles files related to their assigned departments. They may preside over cabinet meetings in the Chief Minister’s absence. Any decisions they make must be ratified by the Chief Minister to be valid.
Thus, the position of Deputy Chief Minister is primarily a political arrangement. It serves to balance political equations It provides a status to senior leaders within the party.