The Leader of the Opposition plays a crucial role in parliamentary proceedings, providing necessary checks and balances on the ruling government. As the LoP, Rahul Gandhi will have a say in the appointment of key bureaucrats.
After 10 years, the Lok Sabha will have a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assumes the role this week. So as a LoP, what powers does Rahul Gandhi have and why was the post vacant for the last 10 years? Let’s find out!
Why Was The Post Vacant For 10 Years?
The Congress, despite being the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha in 2014 and 2019, could not claim the position as it had less than 10% of the total seats in the Lower House.
An opposition party needs at least 55 seats to claim the post of LoP in the 543-member Lok Sabha. In the 2014 general election, Congress won only 44 seats while in 2019, they were 3 seats short as they won only 52.
What Does The Position Of LoP Mean?
The Leader of the Opposition is a statutory position recognised by the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. This act defines the term Leader of the Opposition as the member of the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha who leads the party in opposition to the government with the greatest numerical strength.
The position of Leader of the Opposition has its roots in the pre-Independence era and after Independence, the LoP continued to play a crucial role in the country's parliamentary democracy.
The Role Of LoP In The Parliament
The Leader of the Opposition plays a crucial role in parliamentary proceedings, providing necessary checks and balances on the ruling government. They ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and alternative viewpoints are represented.
The Leader of the Opposition is often referred to as the "shadow prime minister" and forms a shadow Cabinet, which is a group of opposition members who mirror the roles of the government's Cabinet. This shadow Cabinet is prepared to take over the government if the incumbent government falls.
What Powers Will Rahul Gandhi Get?
As the LoP, Rahul Gandhi will have a say in the appointment of key bureaucrats. He will be a member of crucial committees, including Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, Estimates, several Joint Parliamentary Committees, and so on.
He is also entitled to be a member of various selection committees responsible for appointing heads of statutory bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Information Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the National Human Rights Commission of India, and the Lokpal, among others.
3rd Gandhi To Assume The Role Of LoP
Rahul Gandhi is the third member of the Gandhi family to hold the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Before him, his parents, Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi, held the posts. In 1989-90, Rajiv Gandhi became the first member of the Gandhi family to hold the post of LoP in the Lok Sabha. In 1999-2004, Sonia Gandhi held the post of LoP.
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