Introduction

The position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha holds significant importance in the Indian parliamentary system. This role, officially defined under The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, is pivotal in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring a robust democratic process.

Who Can Serve as Leader of Opposition?

• According to the 1977 Act, the Leader of Opposition is a member of the Lok Sabha who leads the party in opposition to the government with the greatest numerical strength.
• The recognition of this leader is made by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Despite a common misconception, there is no official rule that mandates a party must have at least 10% of the total seats in the House to claim this position.
• This interpretation was clarified by former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary, emphasizing that the Speaker is required to recognize the leader of the largest opposition party, irrespective of its seat count.

Historical Context

• This position has not always been filled consistently. For instance, after the 2014 and 2019 elections, the Congress party, despite being the largest opposition party, did not have sufficient numbers to claim the Leader of Opposition post, as they won only 44 and 52 seats respectively in a 543-member House.
• The 2024 elections, however, saw the Congress nearly doubling its seats to 99, enabling Rahul Gandhi, MP from Rae Bareli, to take on the role after a decade-long vacancy.

Position and Privileges

• The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha sits in the front row to the left of the Speaker and enjoys ceremonial privileges, such as escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum and having a designated seat during the President’s address to Parliament.
• More than just a ceremonial role, this leader is seen as the “Shadow Prime Minister,” with a shadow Cabinet ready to assume administration if the government falls.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The primary duty of the Leader of Opposition is to serve as the voice of the opposition, ensuring that the government is held accountable and that alternative policies are presented.
• This role is crucial for the functioning of a healthy democracy, as it ensures that diverse viewpoints are represented and debated.
• In practical terms, the Leader of Opposition has significant responsibilities, particularly in High-powered Committees that oversee the appointment to key positions such as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commissioner, the Chief Information Commissioner, the Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission, and the Lokpal.
• These committees are critical for maintaining the integrity and transparency of various national institutions.

Challenges and Contemporary Relevance

• The role has faced challenges, particularly regarding the inclusion of the opposition in key appointments.

• For example, Mallikarjun Kharge, who served as the Congress leader in Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019, often highlighted the government’s attempts to sideline the opposition in the selection process for the Lokpal, citing the absence of a formal Leader of Opposition.

• Despite these challenges, the position remains vital for the parliamentary system, promoting “Mutual Forbearance” and ensuring that the opposition can effectively perform its duties.
• The Leader of Opposition’s proactive role in facilitating the smooth functioning of the House’s business is as important as the government’s role in governance.

Conclusion

In the order of precedence, the Leaders of Opposition in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha hold a status equivalent to Union Cabinet Ministers, the National Security Advisor, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Vice-Chairperson of the NITI Aayog, former Prime Ministers, and Chief Ministers. This underscores the significant influence and responsibility associated with the role.As the Leader of Opposition assumes this pivotal position, the expectations and responsibilities that come with it are substantial. The role involves shaping the opposition’s strategies and ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and inclusive.