Monarchy of Vishwamitra
Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra
राष्ट्राध्यक्ष | |
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![]() Personal arms of the current Rashtradhyaksh | |
![]() Royal standard of the Rashtradhyaksh | |
Style | His Majesty |
Type | Absolute elective federal monarch |
Status | Elected, de facto in rotation |
Residence | Rashtra Niwas, Purvanchal |
Appointer | Conference of Rulers |
Term length | Three years |
Constituting instrument | Constitution of the State of Vishwamitra |
Inaugural holder | Tanishkaa Patranabish |
Formation | 18 June 2020 |
The Rashtradhyaksh (Hindi राष्ट्राध्यक्ष) , also known as the Supreme Head or the King, is the absolute monarch and head of state of Vishwamitra. The office was established in 2020, when the monarchy was established in the State replacing the long republican rule. The Rashtradhyaksh is elected by the Conference of Rulers, comprising the six rulers of the Vishwamitran provinces, with the office de facto rotated between them, making Vishwamitra one of the few elective monarchies. The Rajpramukh of Purvanchal Dhrubajyoti Roy is currently serving as the Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra since 1 August 2020.
Contents
History
On 6 June 2020, having rejected the suggested title of “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” in favour of “Rashtradhyaksh”, the Conference of Rulers elected the first occupant of the throne. By seniority, the 19-year-old Bishnu Chetry, appointed Rajpramukh of Uttaranchal, was first in line, followed by the 18-year-old Dhrubajyoti Roy, former Head of State and newly appointed Rajpramukh of Purvanchal. However, the Conference of Rulers decided to appoint then serving President, Tanishkaa Patranabish as the first Rashtradhyaksh of the State of Vishwamitra, who was declared unopposed elected to the throne. The first Conference of Rulers included the Rajpramukhs of Beltola, Purvanchal, Uttaranchal and Madhya Prant, the two Rajpramukhs of Kamrupa and Basistha, were excluded from the conference.
Election
The Rashtradhyaksh is formally elected to a three-year term by and from the six rulers of the states who form the Conference of Rulers. After a ruler has served as the Rashtradhyaksh, he may not stand for immediate re-election until all rulers of the other states have also stood for election. In the event of a vacancy of the office (by death, resignation, or deposition by a majority vote of the rulers), the Conference of Rulers elects a new Rashtradhyaksh as if the previous term had expired. The new Rashtradhyaksh is elected for a three-year term. After his term expires, the Conference holds a new election, in which the incumbent would not be re-elected. The position de facto rotates among the six rulers and a special order of seniority is followed during the elections.
Qualifications
The following qualifications shall be followed for one to be elected as the Rashtradhyaksh:
- Only a ruler may be elected.
- Only the rulers may vote.
The Constitution provides that a Ruler is not eligible for election as Rashtradhyaksh if:
- The ruler has been declared ineligible by the Court of Justice.
- The ruler has notified the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal that he does not wish to be elected.
Election proceedings
The election is carried out virtually via a voice vote. The election does not include a ballot or any other method. A ruler may appoint another ruler as his proxy to vote on his behalf if he is unable to attend the election meeting. During the election, the Chairman of the Election Committee, mostly the Prime Minister, requests the members of the Conference of Rulers to indicate their choice on whether the candidate is suitable or not for their elected as Rashtradhyaksh. The nominee must have obtained four “Yes” votes before the Chairman of the Election Committee offers him the office of the Rashtradhyaksh. If the successful nominee declines the offer or the nominated ruler fails to secure the required majority “yes” votes, the voting process is repeated with the nomination of the second most senior ruler based on the list of seniority of states. Rulers are named and stand for election in turn. The process is completed only after a ruler has accepted the offer of the office of Rashtradhyaksh. The Conference declares the ruler as the Rashtradhyaksh to hold office for a term of three years.
Oath
The Rashtradhyaksh takes the oath of office as follows:
“ I, (name), Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra do hereby swear in the name of the Supreme Lord and by virtue of that oath do solemnly and truly declare that I shall justify and faithfully perform my duties in the administration of Vishwamitra in accordance with its laws and Constitution which have been promulgated or which may be promulgated time to time in the future. Further I do solemnly and truly declare that I shall at all time protect the interests of my people and uphold the rulers of law and order in the Nation.”
Order of seniority of states
The order among the eligible state rulers has followed the order established by the cycle, namely:
Rajpramukh of Purvanchal
Rajpramukh of Beltola
Rajpramukh of Uttaranchal
Rajpramukh of Madhya Prant
Rajpramukh of Kamrupa
Rajpramukh of Basistha
This cycle had been established based on seniority. However, the current Rulers are named (and stand as a candidate) according to the cycle, irrespective of whether they are currently senior. However, the order is not a precedent and the election of the position of the Rashtradhyaksh is at the pleasure of the Conference of Rulers. As an elective monarchy, there is no line of succession to the throne of Vishwamitra.
Titles and styles
Styles of The Rashtradhyaksh | |
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Reference style | His Majesty |
Spoken style | Your Majesty |
The Rashtradhyaksh's full style and title in English is "His Majesty The Rashtradhyaksh".
Powers and functions
- The Rashtradhyaksh shall discharge the functions of the executive head of state, with special discretions upon the state’s treasury, internal affairs and defence.
- The Rashtradhyaksh shall be responsible for the appointment of the Prime Minister and other members of the Council of Ministers.
- The Rashtradhyaksh serves as the Supreme Commander of the Vishwamitra Armed Forces and leads the military of the nation with the military rank of “Marshal”.
- The Rashtradhyaksh shall be the sovereign of the Privy Council and shall appoint members on his/her pleasure.
- The Rashtradhyaksh shall be the Sovereign Grand Master of all federal honours and decorations and shall confer those upon individuals on his/her pleasure and the advice of the Rajpramukhs and the Prime Minister.
- The Rashtradhyaksh shall be the chief diplomat of the State.
Sah-Rashtradhyaksh
The position of Sah-Rashtradhyaksh was created on 01st August 2020 to accommodate Tanishkaa Patranabish who had abdicated as the Rashtradhyaksh on 29th July 2020 in favour of Dhrubajyoti Roy. The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh is the co-monarch of the State who serves as the ceremonial head of state, discharging religious and parliamentary functions. The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh shall perform both executive and ceremonial duties during the absence of the Rashtradhyaksh.
The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh is elected by the same process immediately after the Rashtradhyaksh. The office is usually (but not always) held by the ruler next in line after the Rashtradhyaksh.
The office was initially known as Upa-Rashtradhyaksh (meaning Deputy Monarch) but was dissolved on 29th July 2020.
Oath
The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh takes the oath of office as follows:
“ I, (name), being elected to be Sah-Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra do hereby swear in the name of the Supreme Lord and by virtue of that oath do solemnly and truly declare that I shall faithfully perform my duties as Sah-Rashtradhyaksh as laid down and as may from time to time be laid down by the laws of the Constitution of Vishwamitra.”
Titles and styles
Styles of The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh | |
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Reference style | Her Majesty |
Spoken style | Your Majesty |
The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh's full style and title in English is "Her Majesty The Sah-Rashtradhyaksh".
Lists
Rashtradhyakshs
No | Picture | Name (Born-Died) |
State | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Notes |
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1 | ![]() |
Her Majesty Tanishkaa Patranabish (17th April 2004-) |
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8 June 2020 | 29 July 2020 | 51 days | Abdicated on 29 July 2020 |
- | ![]() |
His Royal Highness Dhrubajyoti Roy (11 January 2002-) Acting |
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29 July 2020 | 31 July 2020 | 2 days | Acting Rashtradhyaksh until his election on 1 August 2020 |
2 | ![]() |
His Majesty Dhrubajyoti Roy (11 January 2002-) |
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1 August 2020 | Incumbent | 215 days | Elected on 1 August 2020 |
Sah-Rashtradhyaksh/Upa Rashtradhyaksh
No | Picture | Name (Born-Died) |
State | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
His Royal Highness Dhrubajyoti Roy (11 January 2002-) |
![]() |
8 June 2020 | 29 July 2020 | 51 days | Served as Upa Rashtradhyaksh. |
- | - | Post vacant | - | 29 July 2020 | 31 July 2020 | 2 days | - |
2 | ![]() |
Her Majesty Tanishkaa Patranabish (17 April 2004-) |
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1 August 2020 | Incumbent | 215 days | Serving as Sah-Rashtradhyaksh with the duties of ceremonial head of state. |