Nayab Singh Saini to return as Chief Minister with deputies, say sources

Following the BJP’s decisive victory in Haryana, discussions are intensifying about the composition of the next state government.

Reports suggest that Nayab Singh Saini may return as Chief Minister, potentially supported by two deputy chief ministers. This development aligns with a growing trend across Indian states, where the appointment of deputy chief ministers has become increasingly common.

In the aftermath of elections last year, seven out of nine states that held votes appointed deputy chief ministers. These include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Nagaland.

The recent elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has further added to this trend, bringing the total number of states with such positions to 15 and the overall count of deputy chief ministers to 24.

The rise of deputy chief ministers signifies a notable shift in political strategy, particularly in coalition governments where the need for representation and balance among various factions is paramount. These roles are increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining harmony within alliances and addressing the diverse demographics of states.

Is there any Constitutional provision for deputy chief ministers?
While the Indian Constitution does not explicitly provide for the role of deputy chief ministers, their political significance is profound. The deputy chief minister holds the same rank as a cabinet minister, enjoying similar pay and perks.

However, beyond this equivalence, the role carries substantial political weight, especially in coalition scenarios. Appointing a deputy chief minister often serves as a gesture of goodwill to partner parties and can symbolize the political heft of a coalition.

The Constitution’s Articles 163(1) and 164(1) lay out the structure of the Council of Ministers and the appointment of ministers but do not reference deputy chief ministers. This absence highlights the evolving nature of political roles in response to the complexities of contemporary governance.

Which states currently have deputy chief ministers?
The reasons for appointing deputy chief ministers vary significantly from state to state. In coalition governments, these appointments are often a strategic move to ensure political stability, address leadership crises, or balance caste dynamics.

For example, in Bihar, the current deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, were appointed after Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA, reflecting the BJP’s strategy to consolidate its influence in the state.

In Chhattisgarh, Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were appointed deputy chief ministers after the BJP’s victory, emphasizing representation of different communities-Sao from the OBC category and Sharma as a Brahmin.

Madhya Pradesh’s deputy chief ministers, Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla, similarly reflect caste considerations, with Devda representing Scheduled Castes and Shukla being a prominent Brahmin leader.

Maharashtra made history by appointing two deputy chief ministers for the first time-Devendra Fadnavis from the BJP and Ajit Pawar from the NCP-marking a significant political maneuver in the Shinde-led administration. In Rajasthan, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa reflects the state’s focus on caste representation in its leadership.

Uttar Pradesh’s deputy chief ministers, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, embody the state’s demographic diversity, representing OBC and Brahmin communities, respectively. In Odisha, K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida ensure representation from West Odisha and provide a prominent female voice in the government.

In Meghalaya and Nagaland, deputy chief ministers Pretone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, alongside Y Patton from the BJP and TR Zeliang from the NDPP, further illustrate how coalition politics shapes leadership structures.

Additionally, Pawan Kalyan’s appointment as deputy chief minister in Andhra Pradesh underscores the importance of community representation, particularly from the numerically significant Kapu community.

Many larger states, especially under BJP governance, have adopted a strategy of appointing one chief minister alongside two deputy chief ministers. However, Gujarat stands as an exception, as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has opted not to appoint a deputy since taking office in 2021.

What does the Supreme Court say about deputy chief ministers?

On February 12, 2024, the Supreme Court addressed the growing debate surrounding deputy chief ministers by dismissing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged their appointments.

The top court concluded that the position is fundamentally ministerial, asserting that the title of deputy chief minister is more of a label without legal implications regarding equality under Article 14.

Did any state have more than two deputy chief ministers?
Historically, Andhra Pradesh made headlines in 2019 when Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy appointed five deputy chief ministers, marking a record for the state. Similarly, during that year, the BJP government in Karnataka created three deputy chief minister positions, reflecting the increasing complexity of coalition politics.

As the BJP navigates the formation of a new government in Haryana, the evolving role of deputy chief ministers will likely continue to shape political dynamics across states. This trend underscores the importance of representation and coalition management while reflecting the changing landscape of Indian politics in an era marked by diverse leadership demands and intricate social equations.