Introduction
The office of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) is a statutory position established under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
Key provisions of the act include:
- The leader of the largest party in opposition to the government is designated as the Leader of Opposition.
- Recognition by the Speaker or the Chairman is required for official status as the Leader of Opposition.
- The Act defines the Leader of Opposition as the leader of the largest opposition party in the respective House, recognized by the Speaker or Chairman.
Body
Functions and Responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition:
Seating and Ceremonial Privileges:
- Sits in the front row to the left of the Chair.
- Escorts the Speaker-elect to the rostrum during ceremonial occasions.
- Occupies a front row seat during the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament.
Committee Representation:
- Represents the opposition in high-powered committees chaired by the Prime Minister for appointments to key positions, such as the Director of CBI, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Chief Information Commissioner, Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission, and the Lokpal.
Voice of the Opposition:
- Acts as the principal spokesperson for the opposition, articulating their stance and concerns in the House.
Shadow Prime Minister Role:
- Functions as a shadow Prime Minister with a shadow Cabinet, prepared to assume administration if the government resigns or is defeated. (Example: The role played by various Leaders of Opposition in Indian parliamentary history, such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee before he became Prime Minister.)
Facilitating House Functioning:
- Plays a proactive role in ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary business, balancing governance and opposition roles.
Order of Precedence:
- Holds a high rank in the official order of precedence, equivalent to Union Cabinet Ministers, the National Security Advisor, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, former Prime Ministers, and Chief Ministers.
Conclusion
The Leader of Opposition holds a significant statutory role in the Indian parliamentary system, contributing to the balance of power, oversight of the executive, and the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings. This position ensures that the voice of the opposition is heard and that democratic governance is upheld through constructive criticism and alternative policy propositions.