Published Paper Details:

In India's federal structure, the Institution of the Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) holds a unique position. Though, this Institution is not recognized or mandated by the Indian Constitution , it plays a significant political , administrative, developmental and strategic role in the arena of state government. In the recent trend, the role of DyCM has been prominent particularly in the coalition government , administrative support and as a tool of representation for diverse sections of the society . In the arena of the state politics , the post of the Dy Chief Minister has become a symbol of balancing tool , political accommodation, political stability, regional and caste representation and intra-party dynamics. As commented by Pratap Bhanu Mehta " In India's fragmented polity, the post of Deputy CM acts as valve to diffuse political tension". The position of the post is a product of political exigency rather than constitutional design. This paper explores the historical evoluation, funtions, responsibilities , political rationale and significance of this extra-constitutional institution. The paper also mentions the prominent case studies and the debates surrounding the institutionalization of the office. It also examines how this institution has contributed to stability in the state governance. As a Dy CM, a leader with political weight equal to that of the Chief Minister can act as a check on the office of the Chief Minister. The Institution of the Dy CM,also enhances the decentralization of power in the state cabinet. It further presents the current scenerio of the Indian States with regard to the Deputy Chief Minister.