When in doubt appoint a deputy CM

Two of the recently elected state assemblies, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, are getting a second-in-command to the chief ministers at the end of a keenly fought battle among strong contenders for the top post—Sachin Pilot has already been sworn as deputy CM in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh is set to get one after Jyotiraditya Scindia turned down the post. Not surprisingly, there is a sudden renewed interest in and curiosity about the deputy CM. What powers does the person have, who does the deputy CM really report to, what happens when both the CM and his deputy are leaders with mass appeal and influence with the party high command, and what are the factors that go into the making of the decision? TOI digs out a little bit of the history surrounding the precedent and the people

from Times of India https://ift.tt/2EAhoan