Support from more than half of the total number of elected members
Explanation
In a Parliamentary system of government, the executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature. To form and maintain a government, a political party or coalition must demonstrate that it enjoys the confidence of the House. This requires the support of the majority of the members of the legislature.Statement-wise Analysis
- Support from at least two-thirds of the elected members is Incorrect: Support from at least two-thirds of the members refers to a Special Majority. This is typically required for significant constitutional changes, such as the impeachment of the President or amending certain parts of the Constitution, not for ordinary government formation.
- Support from more than half of the total number of elected members is Correct: To form a government, a party needs the "magic number," which is support from more than half of the total number of elected members of the House (e.g., 272 out of 543 in the Lok Sabha).
- Being the single largest party, regardless of the total seat share is Incorrect: Being the single largest party without crossing the halfway mark results in a Hung Parliament. While the single largest party may be invited first by the Governor/President, they cannot form and sustain a government without proving the support of the majority of members (often through a coalition).
- Support from the Governor and the Speaker is Incorrect: The Governor and Speaker play constitutional roles in the process (invitation and conduct of the House), but the government is formed based on the support of the legislators, not these authorities.