On what basis does the President generally appoint the Prime Minister?

Correct answer: On the basis of majority support in Lok Sabha

Direct answer: A. The President generally appoints as Prime Minister the person who can command the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Usually this is the leader of the party or alliance that has a majority after the general election. The reason is simple: the Council of Ministers must be responsible to the Lok Sabha, so its leader must have majority support there. A is correct because majority support gives the proposed Prime Minister the ability to form a stable ministry. B is wrong because the Supreme Court does not privately select the Prime Minister. C is wrong because the Election Commission administers elections and does not campaign for a government or appoint the Prime Minister. D is wrong because the Rajya Sabha’s permanent character does not determine who commands the Lok Sabha majority. If no party has a clear majority, the President may appoint the leader who appears most likely to prove majority support, often through a coalition. Memory cue: “Prime Minister is appointed by the President, but political strength comes from the Lok Sabha.”