The Governor is a constitutional head of state which act as a bridge between the Union and State governments, which act in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

Constitutions Back the Post of Governor

• Article 153: Mandates that there shall be a Governor for each State. However, the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 allows for the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.
• Article 154: Vests the executive power of the State in the Governor.
• Article 155: Specifies that the Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
• Article 156: States that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, typically for a term of 5 years.
• Articles 157 & 158: Outline the qualifications (must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old) and conditions of the office.

How is a Governor appointed for a state?

• They are nominated by the Central Government and formally appointed by the President. It is a unitary feature of the constitution through which the Union government exercises control over the state.

A non-binding convention followed during the appointment of governors

• The person should be an outsider (not belonging to the state they are appointed to).
• The President often consults the Chief Minister of the concerned state to ensure smooth functioning.

Source: The Hindu