Chief Minister

The actual power in a state lies with the Chief Minister of that state while the Governor serves only as the ceremonial head. The Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers in a state and is responsible for the state ministries. The Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as their leader offer assistance and advice to the Governor when necessary.

In Union Territories, the actual power lies with the Lieutenant Governor or administrator, but there are exceptions to this rule. In the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir they share their power with a Council of Ministers helmed by the Chief Minister.