The Prime Minister of India is the head of government and the most powerful executive
authority. Appointed by the President, they are usually the leader of the majority party in the
Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister oversees the administration, chairs the Cabinet, and plays a
pivotal role in policy-making, governance, and international representation. They bridge the
gap between the President and the Cabinet and are responsible for maintaining the
confidence of Parliament. Prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and
Narendra Modi have shaped the role, making it central to India’s democratic and
developmental progress.
The Prime Minister of India occupies a central role in the government, acting as the head of
the Council of Ministers, the chief advisor to the President, and the leader of the ruling
party. His powers and responsibilities can be categorized as follows:
1. In Relation to the Council of Ministers:
The Prime Minister holds a commanding position in the Council of Ministers. All members
of the council are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, though
practical considerations like political alliances and regional representation influence these
decisions. The Prime Minister allocates portfolios to the ministers, reshuffles them if
necessary, and ensures administrative efficiency. He also sets the agenda for council
meetings, directs discussions, and influences decisions. In case of disputes, the Prime
Minister can advise a minister to resign or recommend dismissal to the President.
Moreover, he coordinates the functioning of various ministries to ensure their policies align
and do not conflict with each other.
2. In Relation to the President:
The Prime Minister serves as the chief communication channel between the President and
the Council of Ministers. Under Article 78, he is responsible for informing the President
about all decisions made by the council and for submitting any matter that the President
wishes to be reconsidered by the council. He also supplies information on legislative and
administrative proposals as requested by the President. Importantly, the President acts on
the Prime Minister's advice in appointing key officials, such as judges of the Supreme Court
and High Courts, governors of states, the Comptroller and Auditor General, heads of the
armed forces, election commissioners, and ambassadors. No other minister can directly
communicate with the President without the Prime Minister’s authorization.
3. In Relation to Parliament:
As the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister is central to the
parliamentary system. His appointment is based on his ability to command a majority in
the Lok Sabha. Once in office, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are
collectively responsible to Parliament and remain in power as long as they enjoy the
confidence of the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister defends and explains government policies
on the floor of Parliament, often announcing key initiatives personally. He advises the
President on summoning and dissolving sessions of Parliament and plays a major role in
controlling the parliamentary timetable.
4. In Relation to the Party:
The Prime Minister is a significant figure in his political party and heavily influences its
decisions and strategies. He maintains close relations with party leaders to ensure their
support and unity, knowing that his government’s survival depends on the party’s backing.
While some Prime Ministers, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, also served as party
presidents, this is not always the case today. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister’s leadership
shapes the direction and policy agenda of the party.
5. In Conducting International Relations:
The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in managing India’s foreign relations. Often, he
keeps the portfolio of external affairs to maintain direct control over foreign policy. Even
when another minister handles external affairs, they work under the Prime Minister’s
guidance and keep him informed of developments. The Prime Minister represents India at
international conferences, negotiates with foreign leaders, and plays a key role in shaping
the country’s diplomatic strategies.
6. Power of Patronage:
While the President is the ceremonial head of state, the Prime Minister is the head of
government and wields significant executive power. Most major appointments and
decisions are made on the Prime Minister’s advice, including the selection of governors,
chairpersons of commissions, and members of key committees like the Union Cabinet or
NITI Aayog. The Prime Minister’s influence extends to shaping the government’s direction
and elevating individuals to prominent positions.
In essence, the Prime Minister is the driving force behind India’s executive branch,
influencing its policies, functioning, and representation both domestically and
internationally. His leadership directly impacts the government’s effectiveness and the
country’s governance.
