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Leader of Opposition in India, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

PWOnlyIAS June 26, 2024 10:45 3160 0

Leader of Opposition in India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha. Know about the Leader of Opposition and their role and responsibilities in the Indian Parliamentary system of government.

Leader of Opposition in India, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition is typically a prominent political figure who leads the largest political party or coalition of parties that is not in government. This role is crucial in maintaining a system of checks and balances within the government. The position of Leader of Opposition in India was vacant for the past 10 years.

Let us have a look at the Leader of opposition in India after the 2024 General Elections. The Appointment Procedure and the role and significance of the Leader of opposition in India is also given here.

What is a Leader of Opposition?

In a democratic political structure, the Leader of the Opposition is a pivotal figure who heads the largest party or alliance not in government. The Leader of the Opposition is responsible for scrutinizing and challenging government policies and actions, ensuring that alternative perspectives are considered in legislative processes.

The position of Leader of opposition also involves leading the opposition party’s efforts in debating legislation, proposing amendments, and voicing concerns on various national issues. 

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Origin of Position of Leader of Opposition

The position of Leader of Opposition typically traces its roots to the British parliamentary system. In the Westminster system, which serves as the model for many other parliamentary democracies, including those of countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, the Leader of the Opposition is an important office.

Leader of Opposition in India

Leader of the Opposition in India is a significant role, typically held by the leader of the largest party not in government in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This position is crucial for ensuring accountability and providing a counterbalance to the ruling party. India did not have a Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for the past terms.

In the previous two terms, the position of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was vacant due to the Congress party not having the required 10% seats. In the Rajya Sabha, the position of Leader of Opposition was held by Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party. The Leader of the Opposition is pivotal in shaping debates and influencing legislation.

I. Leader of Opposition in 18th Lok Sabha

This term, the Congress secured 99 seats in the Parliament. With an additional boost from Independent Lok Sabha member Vishal Patil from Maharashtra, their count reached 100, increasing the likelihood of a Congress MP assuming the position of Leader of Opposition.

The Congress Working Committee unanimously passed a resolution urging Rahul Gandhi to assume the role of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha.

II. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha

In the Rajya Sabha, the Leader of Opposition is an important position held by the leader of the largest party in opposition. The current Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha is Mallikarjun Kharge, who has been serving since 17 December 2022.

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Appointment Procedure of Leader of Opposition

The term “Leader of Opposition” is defined in the “Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.” According to the act, Leader of Opposition is the leader of the largest party in opposition that has the greatest numerical strength in the House and is recognized as such by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Let us have a look at the Appointment Procedure of Leader of Opposition in India:

  • The party with the largest number of seats in opposition nominates its leader.
  • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha officially recognizes this leader as the Leader of the Opposition.
  • There is no formal election or voting process for this position; it is based on the numerical strength and recognition by the presiding officer of the house.

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Role of the Leader of Opposition in India

The Leader of the Opposition (LOP) plays a pivotal role in parliamentary democracies, acting as the head of the largest party not in government. A key function of the Leader of the Opposition is to represent diverse perspectives, especially those of the minority and opposition parties. 

Let us have a look at the role of the Leader of Opposition in India:

  • Representing the Opposition: The Leader of the Opposition represents the largest party or coalition in the opposition in the Parliament.
  • Holding the Government Accountable: They are responsible for questioning and scrutinizing the policies and actions of the ruling party or coalition, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
  • Leading Debates: In parliamentary debates, the Leader of the Opposition often leads the opposition’s arguments and critiques against the government’s initiatives and policies.
  • Appointments: The Leader of the Opposition has a say in the appointment of certain key positions, such as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner and the Chief Information Commissioner.
  • Committee Membership: They typically lead the opposition’s representation on important parliamentary committees, providing oversight on various aspects of governance and legislation.
  • Policy Formulation: While not in power, the Leader of the Opposition contributes to policy discussions and offers alternative proposals, shaping the national discourse on important issues.
  • Representing Public Opinion: They act as a voice for dissenting opinions and concerns of the public, ensuring that diverse viewpoints are considered in the decision-making process.
  • Constituency Representation: Along with their national role, the Leader of the Opposition also represents their constituency’s interests and concerns, addressing local issues in the national arena.

Significance of Leader of Opposition

The Leader of the Opposition plays a crucial role in parliamentary systems. Let us have a look at the Significance of Leader of Opposition in any Parliamentary system of government:

  1. Checks and Balances: The Leader of the Opposition serves as a check on the ruling party or coalition by scrutinizing their policies and actions. This ensures accountability and prevents the government from becoming too powerful or unchecked.
  2. Alternative Voice: They provide an alternative perspective on governance, policies, and legislation. This ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered in decision-making processes.
  3. Shadow Cabinet: In many parliamentary systems, the Leader of the Opposition forms a “shadow cabinet” composed of opposition members who scrutinize and challenge the policies of their counterparts in the government. This shadow cabinet acts as an alternative government in waiting, ready to take power if the ruling party loses support or an election.
  4. Representing Minority Views: The Leader of the Opposition represents not only their party but also the views of the minority of citizens who did not vote for the ruling party. This ensures that their concerns are voiced and considered in the legislative process.
  5. Influence on Legislation: While the ruling party typically has the majority to pass legislation, the Leader of the Opposition can still influence the legislative agenda through debates, amendments, and public pressure.
  6. Public Accountability: By challenging the government in parliamentary debates, the Leader of the Opposition holds them accountable to the public. They raise important issues, highlight failures, and demand explanations, ensuring transparency and responsiveness from the government.
  7. Symbolic Role: The Leader of the Opposition symbolizes the principle of a loyal opposition, demonstrating that democracy thrives on dissent and differing opinions while maintaining respect for the democratic process.

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Leader of Opposition – Conclusion

We explored the historical context, roles, and responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition, shedding light on their crucial function in representing alternative viewpoints, ensuring accountability, and fostering healthy debate within the parliamentary framework. As India’s political landscape continues to evolve, the Leader of Opposition remains a cornerstone of the democratic process, embodying the principles of pluralism, transparency, and effective governance.

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Leader of Opposition FAQs

The Congress Working Committee has unanimously passed a resolution, encouraging Rahul Gandhi to take on the position of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to be the new Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, as per the resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee.

Ram Subhag Singh was the first leader of opposition in Indian Parliament, starting his tenure in 1969.

No, Leader of the Opposition gained official acknowledgment through the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act of 1977. It's crucial to note that this position is not constitutionally mandated.

The Leader of the Opposition in parliament represents the largest political party not in government. They lead debates, scrutinize the government's actions, and offer alternative policies and perspectives.

The current leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha is Mallikarjun Kharge. Kharge has held the position of LoP since 2021.

To qualify to nominate the leader of opposition, a party needs to have at least 10% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha.

The role of the Leader of the Opposition in parliamentary systems typically involves holding the government accountable, presenting alternative policies, and leading their party's critique of the ruling party's decisions.
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