Analogy — Map head of polity at two scales: India : President :: State : ?

Introduction / Context:
The first pair names the constitutional head of the Union (India). We must identify the analogous constitutional head at the state level within the Indian federal system.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• At the Union level, the President is the head of state.
• At the state level, the Governor is the constitutional head.
• Chief Minister and Prime Minister are heads of government, not heads of state.

Concept / Approach:
Preserve “polity → constitutional head of state,” keeping the governance tier parallel.

Step-by-Step Solution:
India → President (head of state).State → ? → Governor (head of state at state level).

Verification / Alternative check:
Indian Constitution: Articles 52 (President) and 153 (Governor) establish these roles as heads of state at their respective levels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) Prime Minister – Union head of government.
(c) Chief Minister – state head of government.
(d) Mayor – local government head.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing head of government with head of state; analogy requires the same constitutional category.

Final Answer:
Governor