Constitutional Basis:
- Article 164(1): The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor.
- The Chief Minister can be from either house in a bicameral legislature.
- If not a member of either house, they must be elected within six months.
- Article 164(4): A person convicted of corruption cannot be appointed as Chief Minister.
- Tenure: Typically 5 years (subject to the Governor’s pleasure).
- Salary: Determined by the State Legislature.
Powers of the Chief Minister:
- Related to the Council of Ministers:
- Formation of the Council of Ministers.
- Distribution of departments among ministers.
- Power to dismiss ministers.
- Acts as a liaison between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
- Calls meetings of the Council of Ministers.
- Legislative Powers:
- All government bills require the Chief Minister’s approval before being presented in the house.
- The Governor issues ordinances based on the Chief Minister’s advice.
- Can recommend the dissolution of the state assembly to the Governor.
- Calls assembly sessions.
- As Head of Government:
- Typically retains responsibility for general administration, administrative reforms, and personnel departments.
- Coordinates between different government departments.
- Oversees the implementation of government programs, campaigns, and administrative activities.
- Serves on important committees (Inter-State Council, NITI Aayog).
- Chairs bodies such as the State Planning Board and Chief Minister’s Advisory Council.
- Coordination via Various Media:
- The Chief Minister ensures coordination through different media channels.
- Public Relations:
- Handles work related to public relations.
- Constitutional Functions (Article 167):
- Communicates all decisions made by the Council of Ministers to the Governor regarding the administration and legislative proposals.
- Provides any information the Governor requests regarding state affairs.
- Places any unresolved issues before the Council of Ministers if required by the Governor.
Notable Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:
- First Nominated Chief Minister: Hiralal Shastri.
- First Elected Chief Minister: Tikaram Paliwal.
- Longest Tenure: Mohanlal Sukhadia (17 years).
- Shortest Tenure: Hiralal Devpura (16 days).
- First Minority Chief Minister: Barkatullah Khan (died while in office).
- First Non-Congress Chief Minister: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- First Woman Chief Minister: Vasundhara Raje.
- Chief Minister during Indo-Pak War (1971): Barkatullah Khan.
- Chief Minister during Emergency (1975): Haridev Joshi.
- First Scheduled Caste Chief Minister: Jagannath Pahadia.
- Chief Ministers who later became Governors: Haridev Joshi, Mohanlal Sukhadia.
- Chief Minister who never lost an election: Vasundhara Raje.
- Chief Ministers who were Rajya Sabha Members: Jai Narayan Vyas, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- Chief Ministers who were Lok Sabha Members: Hiralal Shastri, Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.
- Chief Minister who also served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly: Hiralal Devpura.
- Chief Ministers who served as Ministers at the Center: Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.
- Chief Minister who was also Deputy Chief Minister: Tikaram Paliwal.
- Chief Minister with the most Deputy Chief Ministers: Ashok Gehlot.
Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:
- Tikaram Paliwal – Indian National Congress (1952–1954) under Jai Narayan Vyas.
- Harishankar Bhabra – Bharatiya Janata Party (1993–1998) under Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- Banwarilal Bairwa – Indian National Congress (2002–2003) under Ashok Gehlot.
- Kamala Beniwal – Indian National Congress (2003) under Ashok Gehlot.
- Sachin Pilot – Indian National Congress (2018–2020) under Ashok Gehlot.
Key Facts about Chief Ministers in Rajasthan:
- First Scheduled Caste Chief Minister: Jagannath Pahadia.
- First Woman Chief Minister: Kamla Beniwal (also served as Governor).
- Chief Ministers who were also Rajya Sabha Members: Jai Narayan Vyas, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- Chief Ministers who were also Lok Sabha Members: Hiralal Shastri, Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.
Additional Constitutional Provisions and Powers:
- Appointment and Role:
- The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, but they must have the confidence of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. If there is no clear majority, the Governor has the discretion to appoint a Chief Minister.
- The Chief Minister acts as the real executive head of the state, guiding the Council of Ministers in decision-making and implementing state policies.
- Council of Ministers:
- The Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers, and their advice is crucial in all matters of state governance. All significant decisions must be approved by the Council under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
- The Chief Minister can recommend the removal or reshuffling of ministers.
- The Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly.
- Special Powers:
- Ordinances: The Chief Minister advises the Governor on the promulgation of ordinances under Article 213 during periods when the state assembly is not in session.
- Legislative Role: While not part of the legislature, the Chief Minister plays an essential role in steering government bills, formulating legislation, and addressing key policy issues in the assembly.
- State Finance Matters: The Chief Minister plays a vital role in the financial management of the state by advising on budget formulation, approval of financial bills, and expenditure of public funds.
- Powers as Leader of the State Government:
- General Administration: The Chief Minister often keeps control over critical portfolios like the General Administration Department, which deals with government personnel and reforms.
- NITI Aayog: The Chief Minister represents the state at the NITI Aayog, collaborating with central and other state governments for national-level policy formulation.
- Inter-State Coordination: The Chief Minister engages with other states to resolve disputes, particularly concerning water sharing, resources, or infrastructural issues.
Important Historical Facts and Events:
- Significant Reforms Under Chief Ministers:
- Mohanlal Sukhadia’s Tenure (1954–1971): Sukhadia, with the longest tenure as Chief Minister, is credited with transforming Rajasthan’s political landscape by implementing agrarian reforms, expanding education, and modernizing the state.
- Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1977–1980, 1990–1998): A pivotal leader who led the state’s first non-Congress government, he was instrumental in promoting industrialization and rural development in Rajasthan.
- Vasundhara Raje (2003–2008, 2013–2018): As the first female Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Raje is known for her efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare reforms, and launching welfare schemes such as the “Bhamashah Yojana” to empower women financially.
- Critical Events During Chief Ministerial Tenures:
- Emergency of 1975: During the national Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Haridev Joshi was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, a period marked by political turmoil and central government dominance.
- Indo-Pak War (1971): Barkatullah Khan was the Chief Minister during the 1971 war, which saw active military participation from Rajasthan due to its border with Pakistan.
Interesting Facts About Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:
- Youngest Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot became Chief Minister for the first time at the age of 47, and he has since served multiple terms.
- Longest Serving Chief Minister: Mohanlal Sukhadia holds the record for the longest continuous tenure as Chief Minister (1954–1971), leading the state for 17 years.
- Chief Ministers with Multiple Terms: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vasundhara Raje, and Ashok Gehlot have all served multiple terms, showcasing their strong political influence in Rajasthan’s history.
Deputy Chief Ministers in Rajasthan:
- Notable Deputy Chief Ministers: Apart from Sachin Pilot, who served as Deputy Chief Minister under Ashok Gehlot from 2018–2020, there have been five other Deputy Chief Ministers in the state’s history, including Tikaram Paliwal (the first) and Kamala Beniwal (one of the few female Deputy Chief Ministers in India).
Women in Leadership:
- Vasundhara Raje: The first and only female Chief Minister of Rajasthan, she broke multiple barriers and became one of the most influential political leaders in the state’s history. She has also served as a union minister and continues to be a prominent figure in Indian politics.
- Kamala Beniwal: While not the Chief Minister, she made her mark as the Deputy Chief Minister and later served as the Governor of multiple states, showcasing the growing role of women in Rajasthan’s political sphere.
Election and Political Trends:
- Electoral Dominance: The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have alternated power in Rajasthan over the years. Leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje have been central figures in these parties, shaping the political landscape with their policies and leadership styles.
- First Non-Congress Government: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s tenure as Chief Minister marked a significant shift in Rajasthan’s political history, with the rise of the BJP in the state. His tenure is often cited for bringing about structural changes in governance.
Other Important Constitutional and Legal Aspects:
- Oath of Office: The Chief Minister, along with other ministers, takes the oath of office and secrecy as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution, administered by the Governor.
- Collective Responsibility: The Chief Minister and their Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, meaning they must retain the confidence of the assembly to stay in power.
- Limit on Number of Ministers: As per the 91st Constitutional Amendment, the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the state legislative assembly.
Previous Exam Questions:
- Who is the real executive head of the state?
(a) Governor (b) Chief Minister (c) Cabinet (d) Chief Secretary - Under which Article is the Chief Minister appointed?
(a) Article 164 (b) Article 154 (c) Article 153 (d) Article 163 - The Chief Minister is made by the process of:
(a) Election (b) Appointment (c) Selection (d) Nomination - Under which schedule does the Governor administer the oath of office and secrecy?
(a) First Schedule (b) Second Schedule (c) Third Schedule (d) Fourth Schedule - If a person is appointed as a minister but is not a member of the state legislature, what is the provision?
(a) Must be elected within six months (b) Must resign (c) Removed by the Governor (d) Removed by no-confidence motion. - Before whom does the ‘Parliamentary Secretary’ take an oath or affirmation in the state?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
(d) Chief Justice of the High Court - Salary and allowances of the Chief Minister are determined by:
(a) Parliament
(b) Governor
(c) State Legislative Assembly
(d) Third Schedule of the Constitution - The duties of the Chief Minister are prescribed under which article of the Constitution?
(a) Article 163
(b) Article 213
(c) Article 157
(d) Article 167 - Which Constitutional amendment added a provision after Article 164(1), limiting the number of ministers (including the Chief Minister)?
(a) 89th Amendment
(b) 93rd Amendment
(c) 98th Amendment
(d) 91st Amendment - What is the maximum percentage of members of the Legislative Assembly (including the Chief Minister) that can serve in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 25% - The maximum number of members in the Council of Ministers of Rajasthan is:
(a) Subject to the Chief Minister’s discretion.
(b) Subject to the Governor’s discretion.
(c) Up to 15% of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
(d) 15% of the members of the ruling party. - What is the minimum number of ministers required in the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, in Rajasthan?
(a) 29 + 1 CM
(b) 11 + 1 CM
(c) 15 + 1 CM
(d) 12 + 1 CM - What is the maximum number of members (including the Chief Minister) allowed in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) 12
(b) 20
(c) 30
(d) 35 - Who was the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Hiralal Shastri
(b) Narottamlal Joshi
(c) Tikaram Paliwal
(d) Kamalkant Sharma - Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan has also held the post of Deputy Chief Minister?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Tikaram Paliwal
(c) Haridev Joshi
(d) Ashok Gehlot - Arrange the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan in descending order based on their tenure (longest term first):
- Mohanlal Sukhadia
- Haridev Joshi
- Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
- Ashok Gehlot
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 3, 2, 4
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2 - Who has been sworn in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan the most times?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Ashok Gehlot - Under which article does the Governor appoint the Chief Minister of a state?
(a) Article 163
(b) Article 164
(c) Article 167
(d) Article 166 - Who among the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan has served the longest continuous term?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat - Which of the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan was also a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
(a) Vasundhara Raje
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Hiralal Shastri
(d) Jai Narayan Vyas - Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan was in office during the Indo-Pak War of 1971?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Barkatullah Khan
(d) Vasundhara Raje - Who was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan during the Emergency in 1975?
(a) Haridev Joshi
(b) Ashok Gehlot
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat - The Chief Minister of Rajasthan who was also the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly:
(a) Haridev Joshi
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Hiralal Devpura
(d) Tikaram Paliwal - Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan was the first from the Scheduled Caste community?
(a) Barkatullah Khan
(b) Jagannath Pahadia
(c) Hiralal Shastri
(d) Haridev Joshi - Who was the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Tikaram Paliwal
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Jai Narayan Vyas - Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan served during the 1977 Emergency?
(a) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(b) Vasundhara Raje
(c) Haridev Joshi
(d) Barkatullah Khan - Who among the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan never lost an election as an MLA?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat - Who was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Vasundhara Raje
(b) Kamala Beniwal
(c) Pratibha Patil
(d) Indira Gandhi - Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan has also held the position of a minister at the center?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Mohanlal Sukhadia - Who among the following has served as both Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Haridev Joshi
(c) Tikaram Paliwal
(d) Vasundhar Raje