Daily Current Affairs : 27-June-2024

For the first time in over a decade, the placement of Leader of Opposition within the Lok Sabha has been crammed. This role had remained vacant because no political party in recent years had enough seats—at least one-tenth of the total seats in the House—to claim the post. However, now that the function is occupied, it is crucial to recognize its significance and duties.

What is the Leader of Opposition?

The Leader of Opposition is a key figure in India’s parliamentary system. According to The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, this role is held by the leader of the largest party in the opposition, i.e., the party that has the second-highest number of seats in the Lok Sabha after the ruling party.

Responsibilities and Role

The Leader of Opposition (LOP) has several essential responsibilities and duties within the functioning of the Indian Parliament. These include:

  • Representing the Opposition: The LOP voices the concerns, views, and opinions of the opposition parties in the House.
  • Ensuring Smooth Parliamentary Business: By engaging with the ruling government, the LOP helps maintain healthy debates and discussions. They ensure that parliamentary procedures run smoothly and that the opposition is able to present its viewpoints.
  • Participation in High-Powered Committees: The LOP plays a crucial role in committees that make important decisions, such as appointments of key officers like the Director of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and the Central Vigilance Commissioner. This ensures that there is a system of checks and balances within the government.

Ceremonial Privileges and Front-Row Position

Apart from these duties, the Leader of Opposition enjoys certain ceremonial privileges. For instance, the LOP sits in the front row of the House, symbolizing their importance within the parliamentary structure.

Important Points:

  • Position of Leader of Opposition (LOP):
    • The position has been vacant for over a decade due to no party having enough seats to claim the post.
    • The LOP is the leader of the largest party in the opposition, i.e., the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha after the ruling party.
  • Responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition:
    • Representing the Opposition: The LOP voices the concerns and views of the opposition parties in the House.
    • Ensuring Smooth Parliamentary Business: The LOP plays a role in maintaining healthy debates and ensuring the opposition has a platform.
    • Participation in High-Powered Committees: The LOP is involved in decisions related to key appointments, such as the Director of CBI and the Central Vigilance Commissioner. This is part of the checks and balances system.
  • Ceremonial Privileges:
    • The LOP sits in the front row of the House, symbolizing their significant role in parliamentary proceedings.
  • Role in Maintaining Checks and Balances:
    • The LOP helps ensure accountability in government by scrutinizing the ruling party’s decisions and actions.

Why In News

The position of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has now been filled after remaining vacant for 10 years, as no party had the required number of seats—at least one-tenth of the total strength of the House—necessary to claim the post, a requirement that has been followed by parliamentary practice. This long gap highlights the challenge in forming a strong opposition bloc with sufficient representation to hold the government accountable.

MCQs about The Role and Importance of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha

  1. Why was the position of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha vacant for 10 years?
    A. No party was eligible due to internal party conflicts
    B. No party had enough seats, at least one-tenth of the total strength of the House
    C. The position was abolished by the government
    D. The ruling party did not want an opposition leader
    Correct Answer: B. No party had enough seats, at least one-tenth of the total strength of the House
    Explanation: The position of Leader of Opposition remained vacant for 10 years because no party had the required number of seats (at least one-tenth of the Lok Sabha’s total strength) to claim the post, as per parliamentary practice.
  2. According to The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, who holds the position of Leader of Opposition?
    A. The leader of the smallest opposition party
    B. The leader of the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha
    C. The leader of the ruling party
    D. The most senior member of the opposition
    Correct Answer: B. The leader of the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha
    Explanation: According to the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, the position of Leader of Opposition is held by the leader of the largest party in the opposition, which is the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha after the ruling party.
  3. What is one of the key roles of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian Parliament?
    A. To control the ruling party’s decisions
    B. To ensure smooth functioning of the opposition parties outside Parliament
    C. To represent the opposition’s views and concerns in the House
    D. To chair all parliamentary committees
    Correct Answer: C. To represent the opposition’s views and concerns in the House
    Explanation: The Leader of Opposition’s primary role is to represent the views, concerns, and opinions of the opposition parties in the House, ensuring that their voice is heard during parliamentary proceedings.
  4. What is one of the ceremonial privileges granted to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha?
    A. The right to veto government decisions
    B. The power to dissolve Parliament
    C. Sitting in the front row of the House
    D. The authority to pass laws
    Correct Answer: C. Sitting in the front row of the House
    Explanation: One of the ceremonial privileges of the Leader of Opposition is sitting in the front row of the Lok Sabha, symbolizing the importance of the role within the parliamentary structure.

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