Introduction

The Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers in States, stating that the position does not breach the Constitution.
Despite lacking constitutional backing, Deputy CM play significant roles in state governments, raising questions about their powers, significance, and concerns.

What is the Deputy CM Position?

Constitutional Status: Unlike the Vice President of India, the Deputy CM post is political rather than constitutional.
Origin: The post traces back to the Deputy PM position established in 1947 post-independence, leading to the evolution of Deputy CM roles in states.
Appointment and Tenure: Deputy CMs are appointed and removed at the discretion of the Chief Minister, who may appoint multiple Deputy CMs.
Historical Context: Anugrah Narayan Sinha of Bihar was the first Deputy CM post-Independence, with 12 states in India having Deputy CMs as of July 2023.

Rank and Pay: Deputy CMs hold a rank equivalent to cabinet ministers, receiving similar pays and perks.
Portfolio Allocation: They are entrusted with portfolios, although typically smaller in scale compared to the Chief Minister.
Financial Powers: Deputy CMs hold no specific financial authority, requiring approval from the Chief Minister for expenditures exceeding allocated budgets.
Administrative Role: They facilitate governance and administration, acting as a bridge between the ruling party and its allies.

Political Stability: Deputy CMs contribute to coalition government stability by bridging gaps between ruling parties and allies, reducing incidents of anti-defection.
Representation and Trust: Their presence ensures better representation of communities, fostering public trust in governance.
Succession and Accountability: Deputy CMs serve as potential successors to the Chief Minister, promoting transparency and accountability in government.

Lack of Constitutional Backing: Raises concerns about role ambiguity and potential exploitation by Chief Ministers.
Multiplicity of Appointments: No limit on the number of Deputy CMs can lead to appeasement and governance complexities.
Complexity in Governance: Overlapping roles with cabinet ministers may complicate governance and administration.

Clarity and Limitations: Need for a defined role and limitations for Deputy CMs to simplify governance structures.
Political Literacy: Enhancing awareness among citizens about the role and function of Deputy CMs is essential for informed governance.