Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition (LoP)

• Context (IE): The Leader of Opposition (LoP) is in place in the 18^th Lok Sabha following a ten-year vacancy due to no party meeting the required one-tenth strength of the House.

About the Leader of Opposition of Lok Sabha

• The LoP in Lok Sabha has a deep historical foundation in Indian politics, originating from the former Central Legislative Assembly during British rule.
• The position of Leader of Opposition was officially described in The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
• The Act defines the LoP as a member of either the Council of States or the House of the People who leads the party with the greatest numerical strength, as recognized by the Chairman or Speaker.
• Conventionally, a party must have at least 10% of the MPs in the House to qualify for the post of LoP.
• They are entitled to receive the salary and allowances specified in the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act 1954.
• In order of Precedence, the LoP in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ranks at No. 7, alongside Union Cabinet Ministers.
• The LoP sits in the front row to the left of the Chair and has specific ceremonial privileges, such as escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum.
• Additionally, the LoP is entitled to a front-row seat during the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament.

Duties of Leader of Opposition

• Voice of Opposition: Serves as the primary representative of the opposition in the House.
• Shadow Prime Minister: Acts as a shadow Prime Minister with a shadow Cabinet, ready to take over if the government falls.
• Mutual Forbearance: Operates within a system that allows for disagreement while enabling the Prime Minister to govern.
• Facilitating House Business: Plays a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary business.
• Represents the opposition in committees headed by the Prime Minister for key appointments:
  1. Director of CBI
  2. Central Vigilance Commissioner and Chief Information Commissioner
  3. Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission
  4. Lokpal
• Participates in critical committees such as:
  1. Public Accounts Committee
  2. Public Undertakings Committee
  3. Estimates Committee
  4. Joint Parliamentary Committees