Ankur Nikam
The Leader of Opposition is a Member of Parliament representing the largest party or coalition which is not in Government. Similarly State Assemblies also have LoP.
This leader represents the concerns of all opposition parties, raises issues and checks the government’s power. And work as a guardian of Minority Rights.
A party with at least 10% seats in Lok Sabha can nominate its leader for this post. If the opposition party does not have that many seats then they cannot nominate for LoP.
The post officially started in 1969 and was given legal recognition in 1977. Ram Subhag Singh was the first leader of opposition in Loksabha
Rahul Gandhi became the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha in June 2024 after Congress won 100 seats. Indian Parliament didn’t had LoP from 2014 to 2024.
The Leader is part of key parliamentary committees and member of committees that select heads of important national bodies such as Election Commissioners
The Position of the Leader of Opposition is statutory not constitutional but gets the same salary and benefits as a Cabinet Minister.
A strong Leader of Opposition ensures fair debates and offers alternative ideas to improve governance. In Britain there is a concept called shadow cabinet which balance out the ruling cabinet.