Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha in India
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha holds a pivotal role in providing essential checks and balances to the functioning. Learn more about the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha here.
Sheetal Gaur26 Jun, 2024
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Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha: The member of parliament from the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi is the new ' Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha' for its new term. The “Leader of Opposition” is a term frequently discussed in political news and analysis due to its crucial role in maintaining the checks and balances within a parliamentary democracy.
The position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha ensures that the government is held accountable, providing a voice for alternative policies and perspectives. In recent news, the appointment and functioning of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha have been under scrutiny, reflecting its ongoing relevance in Indian politics.What is the Leader of Opposition?
The Leader of Opposition in India refers to the head of the largest party not in government in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha . This role is vital for providing a counterbalance to the ruling party, ensuring that there is robust debate and scrutiny of government actions. The concept of the Leader of Opposition is integral to a healthy democracy, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.Concept of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
In the Indian Constitution, the Leader of Opposition is a statutory position recognized by the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. This position is crucial for ensuring that the opposition can effectively challenge and hold the government accountable. The leader is partially responsible for shaping policies and providing alternative solutions to those proposed by the government. Currently, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, has 543 seats, while the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, has 243 members. For a party to gain formal recognition as the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, it must hold at least 10% of the total seats in the respective house. The same follows for the Rajya Sabha. This requirement ensures that the opposition is a significant and credible force within Parliament .Historical Context
The position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has a rich history in Indian polity, with its roots in the former Central Legislative Assembly during British India. Notable leaders such as Motilal Nehru were among the early figures to receive statutory recognition and rewards. The 1977 Act formally defined the term “Leader of the Opposition,” establishing it as a key component of India's parliamentary system. In 2014, Congress lost both its ruling status and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) position. The request by Congress for the LoP post was denied by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Now, for the new term, Rahul Gandhi from Congress Party has reclaimed this post by being appointed the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha after winning 99 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.| House | Total Members | 10% Requirement | Leader of Opposition |
| Rajya Sabha | 245 | 25 | Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress, 67 seats) |
| Lok Sabha | 543 | 55 | Rahul Gandhi (Congress: 99 seats) |
Benefits and Responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition
The Leader of Opposition enjoys various benefits provided by the Government of India. These include salaries, allowances, and other facilities outlined in the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. These benefits are designed to support the leader in performing their duties effectively. The role of the Leader of Opposition is multifaceted. It includes:- Scrutiny of Government Policies: The leader is responsible for critically examining government policies and actions, ensuring that they are in the public's best interest.
- Presenting Alternative Policies: The opposition presents alternative policies, providing the electorate with a choice and fostering a healthy debate within Parliament.
- Ensuring Accountability: The Leader of Opposition holds the government accountable for its actions, highlighting any misuse of power or discrepancies.
- Protecting Democratic Values: The leader upholds democratic values, ensuring that the government respects the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Representing Minority Views: The opposition represents the views and interests of those not in the ruling party, ensuring that all voices are heard in the democratic process.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament
The appointment procedure for the Leader of Opposition in Parliament is straightforward. The President of India recognizes the leader of the largest party not in government, provided the party meets the 10% seat criterion in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This ensures that the Leader of Opposition in Parliament is a prominent and representative figure within the parliamentary system.Leader of Opposition in Eighteenth Lok Sabha
As of 2024, the Leader of Opposition in the Eighteenth Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha continues to play a pivotal role in Indian politics. The current leaders are actively involved in scrutinizing government policies and presenting alternatives, ensuring that the democratic process remains vibrant and effective. In the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi holds significant influence in parliamentary proceedings, providing necessary checks and balances on the ruling government.Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha
Similarly, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in debating and discussing legislation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. T he Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha is crucial for a healthy democracy. This position ensures that the government remains accountable, policies are thoroughly scrutinized, and alternative viewpoints are represented. A vibrant and effective opposition is essential for the functioning of a democratic system, providing a balance of power and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Join our PW UPSC Course today to Polity for the UPSC exam. Enroll now to ace the exam with expert guidance!| UPSC Related Articles | ||
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Leader of Opposition FAQs
Who is the Leader of Opposition in the Eighteenth Lok Sabha?
Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition in the Eighteenth Lok Sabha after Congress Party won 99 seats in general election.
Who is the new Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha?
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has unanimously passed a resolution urging Rahul Gandhi to assume the role of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha.
Who was the first opposition leader in the Indian Parliament?
The first opposition leader in the Indian Parliament was Dr. Ram Subhag Singh, who served as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha from 1969 to 1971.
Is the Leader of Opposition mentioned in the Constitution?
Yes, the Leader of Opposition is mentioned in the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, and is recognized by the Indian Constitution.
How many seats are required for the opposition leader in Lok Sabha?
A party must have at least 10% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha to qualify for the position of Leader of Opposition.
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