<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> In the Republic of India, a Chief Minister is the elected head of government of each of Twenty nine states and seven union territories (Delhi and Pondicherry). According to the Constitution of India, the Governor is a state's de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the Chief Minister . Following elections to the state legislative assembly, the Governor usually invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government . The Governor appoints and swears in the Chief Minister, whose council of ministers are collectively responsible to the assembly . Based on the Westminster system, given that he retains the confidence of the assembly, the Chief Minister's term can last for the length of the assembly's life--a maximum of five years (except in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly where it is maximum of six years). There are no limits to the number of terms that the Chief Minister can serve . A Chief Minister is assisted / deputed by a Deputy Chief Minister . </P> <P> The Constitution of India sets the principle qualifications one must meet to be eligible to the office of the Chief Minister . A Chief Minister must be: </P>

Who appoints the chief minister of a state