In a significant political development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been appointed the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This marks a pivotal moment for the Congress Party, which has reclaimed this key post after a significant hiatus. Party MP KC Venugopal announced the appointment on Tuesday, highlighting the strategic move by the Congress to strengthen its position in the lower house of Parliament.
On June 9, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s top decision-making body, passed a resolution to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition. This decision followed a period of consideration by Gandhi, who needed some time to deliberate on accepting the role. Addressing the media, Venugopal explained that Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, officially informing him of Rahul Gandhi’s new role.
Rahul Gandhi now becomes the third member of the Gandhi family to hold the Leader of Opposition post in the Lok Sabha, following in the footsteps of his parents, Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi. This appointment symbolizes continuity and resilience within the Gandhi family and the Congress Party as a whole.
The Congress Party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections played a crucial role in this development. The party almost doubled its seat tally, winning 99 seats compared to 52 in the 2019 elections. This resurgence marks a significant improvement from the 2014 elections, where the party managed to secure only 44 seats. Despite being the second-largest party in Parliament after the BJP in 2014 and 2019, the Congress previously fell short of the criteria needed to claim the principal opposition party status in the house. According to parliamentary rules, a party must have at least 10 percent of the total seats to claim the Leader of Opposition post in the Lok Sabha.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi took the oath as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha. Holding a copy of the Constitution, he concluded his oath with the words, “Hail India, Hail the Constitution.” This act underscored his commitment to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and his dedication to serving the nation through his new role.
This appointment not only strengthens the Congress Party’s position in the Lok Sabha but also sets the stage for a more robust opposition. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on challenging the government’s policies and presenting viable alternatives. As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda and ensuring that the voice of the opposition is heard effectively.
In reclaiming the Leader of the Opposition post, the Congress Party has signaled its intent to be a formidable force in Indian politics, leveraging its improved electoral performance and strategic leadership decisions. The coming sessions of Parliament will be closely watched as Rahul Gandhi steps into his new role, navigating the complex political landscape and advocating for the interests of his party and constituents.