Nayab Singh Saini likely to return as Haryana CM with two deputies: Sources
New Delhi: Following the BJP's strong performance in the Haryana Assembly elections, speculations are rife regarding the composition of the new state government. Sources indicate that Nayab Singh Saini is poised to return as Chief Minister, with the potential support of two deputy chief ministers.
This development is consistent with a growing trend across Indian states, where the appointment of multiple deputy chief ministers is becoming increasingly common. In the aftermath of last year's elections, seven out of nine states that went to the polls appointed deputy chief ministers, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Nagaland.
The recent elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has also contributed to this trend, bringing the total number of states with such positions to 15 and the overall count of deputy chief ministers to 24.
The Indian Constitution does not explicitly provide for the role of deputy chief ministers. While the position holds the same rank as a cabinet minister in terms of pay and perks, it carries substantial political weight, particularly in coalition scenarios. The Constitution's Articles 163(1) and 164(1) outline the structure of the Council of Ministers and the appointment of ministers but make no reference to the role of deputy chief ministers.
However, the post has increasingly been used to ensure political stability, address leadership crises, and balance caste and community dynamics. For instance, Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, appointed after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA fold.
On February 12, 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the appointment of deputy chief ministers. The top court concluded that the position is fundamentally ministerial, asserting that the title of deputy chief minister is more of a label without legal implications regarding equality under Article 14.
Many states, particularly under BJP governance, have adopted the model of appointing one chief minister and two deputy chief ministers. However, Gujarat remains an exception, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel opting not to appoint any deputy since assuming office in 2021.
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Netanyahu recommends his Cabinet approve Hezbollah cease-fire proposal
Beirut, Nov 26: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will recommend a proposal for a cease-fire with Hezbollah to his Cabinet for approval, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting.
Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending.
