New Delhi
In the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha, there’s anticipation for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) after a decade, along with the election of a Deputy Speaker, a position vacant for the past five years. During the previous term of the 17th Lok Sabha, neither a Deputy Speaker nor an LoP was appointed, despite constitutional norms.
The INDIA bloc, consisting of various opposition parties, aims to ensure the fulfillment of these crucial parliamentary roles. Criticism has been directed towards the previous government’s failure to elect a Deputy Speaker, with opposition leaders urging the current administration to learn from past mistakes.
Historically, the appointment of a Deputy Speaker has often gone to opposition parties, maintaining democratic norms and ensuring the continuity of parliamentary proceedings. The absence of these key positions has been noted not only at the national level but also in state legislatures, highlighting a concerning trend in upholding constitutional mandates.
With the LoP being a critical voice representing the opposition’s views, its recognition is pivotal in legislative functioning. The post’s significance has been underscored through statutory recognition and legislative acts, emphasizing the role of the opposition in the parliamentary process.
This time, with the Congress being the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, its leader is poised to be recognized as the LoP, ensuring effective representation and contribution to parliamentary debates.
