Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent retreat to meditate on Vivekananda Rock in Kanniyakumari has raised important questions about the continuity of governance in his absence.
Critics have long noted Modi’s extensive campaigning during his tenure, often questioning whether it diverts attention from essential state affairs. Now, with Modi isolating himself for meditation, the issue of who manages the country's crucial decisions in his absence has come to the fore.
According to the council of ministers' list issued on July 6, 2022, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is next in line in terms of seniority. This technically positions him to take charge if the prime minister is unable to fulfill his duties.
Historically, Modi has not appointed a deputy prime minister, but during his first term in September 2014, he officially designated Rajnath Singh, then the home minister, to handle urgent government business while he was in the US.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) did not release any statements regarding Modi's departure for his 45-hour meditation retreat, adding to the uncertainty.
The Wire reached out to several former senior officials to understand the legal and procedural norms when a prime minister is unavailable without clearly designating a second-in-command.
A former PMO official highlighted the necessity for Modi to name an acting prime minister, especially since he is the sole head of the nuclear command. This official deemed it "very irresponsible" not to appoint someone in charge during his absence.
A former cabinet secretary pointed out that the prime minister cannot be entirely incommunicado for urgent matters, such as serious border situations with China or Pakistan. While routine matters could be managed by the cabinet and senior ministers, critical issues would necessitate reaching out to the prime minister.
A former foreign secretary suggested that the government might function more effectively without ministers, most of whom are busy campaigning. However, in cases requiring a prime ministerial decision, the PMO would likely determine whether to interrupt Modi’s meditation. He expressed skepticism that the PM would be completely unreachable.
A senior former officer familiar with nuclear protocol confirmed that there is a clear line of succession for nuclear and defense matters in case the PM is incapacitated or absent. However, the protocol for other civil matters remains less clear.
Another former PMO official noted that technically, no one needs to be in charge as Modi's isolation is self-imposed and not due to incapacitation. In emergencies, such as nuclear threats, the PM could be alerted, overriding religious stipulations.