Imagine that the Prime Minister wants to impose 'President's rule' in one State because the State government has failed to effectively curb atrocities against the Dalits in that State. The President has a different position. He is saying that the provision regarding President's rule should be used only sparingly. In this situation which of the following courses are open to the President?
Explanation
Option (E) is correct because in a parliamentary system, the President is the formal head of the government but the real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers who have the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha. As stated in the context, 'In most of the cases, the President has to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers.' The President can use his position of 'authority and dignity' to discuss matters with the Prime Minister and try to dissuade him, but if the Prime Minister insists on the advice, the President is constitutionally bound to act on that advice. The President cannot refuse to sign (Option A), dismiss the Prime Minister (Option B), or make public statements against the Prime Minister (Option D) as these would go against constitutional provisions. Option C is also not correct as sending CRPF is not within the President's discretionary powers in this context.