BHUPENDRA PATEL - NEW CM OF GUJARAT

BHUPENDRA PATEL - NEW CM OF GUJARAT

Context:

On September 12, 2021, Bhupendra Patel has been chosen as the new Chief Minister of Gujarat at the BJP legislature meeting.

• He is a BJP Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Ghatlodiya assembly seat.
• He has been appointed after the resignation of Vijay Rupani from the post of CM of Gujarat.

Appointment of Chief Minister:

• Article 164 of the Constitution says that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the governor.
• A leader of the party who has received the majority 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 lies with the Chief Minister.
• A person who is not a member of the state legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister for 6 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, 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 remove him by passing a vote of no-confidence against him.