Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. 

Election Performance of Congress

• Rahul Gandhi is the third family member from the Gandhi family to be appointed as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
• Election Performance comparison: The Congress party nearly doubled its seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 99 seats compared to 52 seats in 2019. 
  • In the 2014 elections, the party won 44 seats.
    • Previous Shortfall: Despite being the second-largest party in 2014 and 2019, Congress did not meet the 10% seat requirement to claim the Leader of the Opposition post in those years.

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About Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is an elected member of the Lower House of the Parliament of India.

• Leadership: This leader heads the official opposition party in Lok Sabha.
• Largest Opposition Party: The leader of the largest opposition party with at least 10% of the total seats in Lok Sabha is recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

• Statutory Recognition: The position is recognized under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
  • This act defines term’ leader of the opposition’ as the member of either houses
    • Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
      • For the time being, he is the leader of the opposition party with the greatest numerical strength.  
• Non-Constitutional Post: This role is not mentioned in the Indian Constitution.

Election of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

Process of Election

• Selection by Party: The largest opposition party uses its internal processes to select a leader who will be proposed as the Leader of the Opposition.
• Proposal Notification: The selected leader is officially put forward to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• Speaker’s Formal Recognition: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha formally acknowledges the selected leader as the Leader of the Opposition ( For Lok Sabha)
  • The leader is officially recognised as the leader by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (For rajya sabha). 
• Public Announcement: The appointment is publicly announced, and the Leader of the Opposition officially assumes the role.

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History and Recognition of the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha

• Pre-1969: Until 1969, there was no formal recognition, status, or privilege for the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha. The role existed in practice but was unofficial.
• Official Recognition –  Act of 1977: The Leader of the Opposition was officially recognized, and their salary and allowances were established by the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.

Conditions for Recognition

To be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, three conditions must be met:

• Membership: The individual must be a member of the Lok Sabha.
• Opposition Party: They must belong to the opposition party with the greatest numerical strength.
• Speaker’s Recognition: They must be recognized by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Leader of the Opposition

• Committee Memberships: The Leader of the Opposition is a member of key parliamentary committees:
  • Public Accounts Committee: Serves as Chairman.
  • Public Undertakings Committee
  • Estimates Committee
  • Various Joint Parliamentary Committees
• Selection Committees: Participates in committees responsible for appointing heads of major statutory bodies, including:
  • Central Vigilance Commission
  • Central Information Commission
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
  • Lokpal

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Significance of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India

• Voice for the Opposition: The LoP ensures that alternative viewpoints and concerns of those not in power are heard and addressed.
  • LOP in the lok sabha is considered the “shadow prime minister with a shadow cabinet” as per the booklet on “The Indian Parliament” 
• Checks and Balances: The LoP scrutinizes government actions and proposals, preventing arbitrary decision-making.
• Administration protocol: In case of resignation or  defeat on the floor of the house of the ruling government, LOP takes over the administration. 
• Policy Formulation: The LoP can offer constructive criticism and ideas, contributing to more well-rounded policies.
• Accountability: The LoP holds the government responsible for its actions, promoting transparency and good governance.