6.4.3. Role of the Prime Minister

The Prime minister is the keystone of the cabinet arch. He is central to the formation of the Council of Ministers, central to its life and death. If the Prime Minister resigns or dies the whole Council of Ministers goes out along with him. The Prime Minister is the “primus inter pares” (first among equals). It is he who summons and presides over meeting of the Cabinet. Moreover, he can remove a minister at any time by demanding a minister’s resignation or having him dismissed by the President.

The Prime Minister acts as the connecting link between the President and the Cabinet. Article 78 of the Constitution lays down that it is duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers and to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union. The Prime Minister is also the main link between the Cabinet and Parliament.