Notes on the Relationship between Chief Minister and MLAs

All important money and non-money bills, before their introduction in the state legislative assembly, are approved by the cabinet headed by the C.M. Money Bills, however; also require the consent of the Governor before they can be introduced in the Assembly.

The state budget is prepared by the Finance Minister and his team but, during the whole process, the Chief Minister is taken into confidence and his views given weight.

There may be occasions when the C.M. himself may be the Finance Minister. Besides, the C.M. guides the piloting of important bills through the various stages in the legislature. Being the leader of the majority party in the Assembly, the C.M. is required to help other ministers in case they are unable to satisfy the House with their replies or when a situation goes out of control in the Assembly.

In normal times, the texts of the ordinances issued by the Governor are in reality prepared by the C.M. and the cabinet. But, the Governor has the power under Article 213 to withhold his assent to an ordinance.

The C.M. can retain is position only as long as he enjoys the confidence of the legislature party to which he belongs. Problems could arise between him and his party colleagues at the time of selection of ministers. Ruling party MLAs who are not included in the council of ministers are likely to express their discontent in one way or the other, and only by playing an effective and constructive role, can the C.M. overcome this dissidence.

The dissidents are sometimes offered posts like the chairmanship of public undertakings and cooperative institutions. Party MLAs also pressurize the chief minister. Particularly, in matters of development works and posting of officials in their constituencies. These demands, though they cannot be totally ignored, are met, keeping in view the likely repercussions of possible choices.

To be a success, the C.M. must also keep good relations with the MLAs belonging to the opposition parties. Good contacts, healthy relations and cordiality in approach can help the C.M. in obtaining constructive cooperation from the opposition MLAs. Rajasthan, for instance, provides an example where the Chief Ministers have enjoyed cordial relations with MLAs of all political parties.