Jammu & Kashmir Gets New CM

• 17 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on restoring regional balance between Jammu & Kashmir through his new cabinet.

Key Points

• Cabinet Composition:
  • The new cabinet includes a blend of leaders from Jammu & Kashmir, such as Surinder Kumar Choudhary, a prominent leader from Jammu, as Deputy Chief Minister, and Javed Rana and Satish Sharma from Jammu.
  • The inclusion of Surinder Kumar Choudhary and other Jammu leaders signifies Abdullah’s attempt to address the polarized electorate post the abrogation of Article 370, which removed J&K’s special status.
• Role of Governor and Constitutional Provisions:
  • Under Article 164, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who is typically the leader of the majority party, and the Council of Ministers is appointed on the advice of the Chief Minister.
  • Article 163 grants the Governor discretionary powers in special situations, especially in appointing the CM and dealing with coalition politics.
• The demand for restoration of statehood remains central, as leaders continue to push for its reinstatement.

Chief Minister

• Appointment:
  • Article 164 of the Constitution envisages that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the governor.
    • A leader of the party that has got the majority share of votes in the assembly elections, is appointed as the Chief Minister of the state.
    • The Governor is the nominal executive authority, but real executive authority rests with the Chief Minister.
    • However, the discretionary powers enjoyed by the governor reduces to some extent the power, authority, influence, prestige and role of the Chief Minister in the state administration.
  • A person who is not a member of the state legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister for six months, within which time, he should be elected to the state legislature, failing which he ceases to be the Chief Minister.
• Term of the CM:
  • The term of the Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the governor.
    • He cannot be dismissed by the governor as long as he enjoys the majority support in the legislative assembly.
  • The State Legislative Assembly can also remove him by passing a vote of no-confidence against him.
• Powers and Functions:
  • With Respect to Council of Ministers:
    • The governor appoints only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.
    • He allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among ministers.
    • He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office, since the Chief Minister is the head of the council of ministers