On June 25, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal announced that Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The decision was officially communicated by Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab. This appointment follows a meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, where strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha speaker election were also discussed.
Historical Context
This marks the first time in a decade that the Lok Sabha will have a Leader of Opposition. In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the Congress failed to secure the required 10% of seats (54) to claim the post. The party had 44 and 52 members in those elections, respectively. However, in the recent elections, the Congress emerged stronger with 98 seats, thus securing the position of the Leader of Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi’s Political Journey
Rahul Gandhi, who currently represents the Rae Bareli constituency, has been an MP for five terms. Previously, he won from both Wayanad in Kerala and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh but chose to vacate the Wayanad seat. The Congress has decided to field his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as their candidate for Wayanad, marking her electoral debut.
Significance of the Role
As the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi will play a crucial role in high-powered committees led by the Prime Minister for appointing key positions such as the CBI Director, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Chief Information Commissioner, and members of the NHRC and Lokpal. His new role also grants him the status of a cabinet minister and enhances his position in the protocol list, positioning him as a potential prime ministerial candidate for the opposition bloc.
Reaction from Congress Leadership
Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing his confidence in Rahul Gandhi, stated that his leadership would ensure the Lok Sabha reflects the aspirations of the people, especially the marginalized and the poor. Kharge emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to protecting democracy and the Constitution by upholding principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Opposition’s Strategy
The meeting at Kharge’s residence also focused on the Opposition’s strategy for the Lok Sabha speaker election. The ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc have fielded their candidates, with the NDA’s Om Birla facing off against the INDIA bloc’s K Suresh. Despite efforts by the BJP to reach a consensus on the Speaker, the INDIA bloc decided to nominate eight-time MP K Suresh for the position.
Party and Public Response
Congress leaders and members welcomed Rahul Gandhi’s appointment, seeing it as a sign of the party’s readiness to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha. A party leader mentioned that Rahul’s acceptance of the role demonstrates his willingness to confront Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold the government accountable.
Rahul Gandhi’s Commitment
During a recent press conference, Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the paper leak issue and pledged that the Opposition would be more vocal in the House. On the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha session, he reiterated the Opposition’s commitment to protecting the Constitution from what he described as attacks by Modi and Amit Shah. He emphasized that the Opposition would continue to apply pressure and raise the voice of the people to ensure government accountability.
Rahul Gandhi’s appointment as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha marks a significant development in Indian politics. With his extensive experience and strong public presence, he is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Opposition’s strategies and holding the government accountable. This move also signals the Congress party’s determination to take an aggressive stance against the ruling NDA in the upcoming parliamentary sessions.
