Ans. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) is a statutory position established under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. This position is meant to represent the largest opposition party in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It plays a crucial role in the Indian parliamentary system by ensuring that the government is held accountable and that the views of the opposition are considered in the legislative process.

Eligibility for the Leader of Opposition:

To be eligible for the position of the Leader of Opposition, one must be the leader of the largest party in opposition to the ruling government in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha must officially recognize this individual as the Leader of Opposition for them to hold the position with full privileges.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition:

Seating and Ceremonial Privileges:
1. The Leader of Opposition sits in the front row to the left of the Speaker or Chairman.
2. On ceremonial occasions, the Leader of Opposition escorts the Speaker-elect to the rostrum and sits in the front row during the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament.
Committee Representation:

The Leader of Opposition represents the opposition in key committees, especially those chaired by the Prime Minister.
These include committees for appointing officials like the Director of the CBI, the Central Vigilance Commissioner, and members of bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and the Lokpal.

Voice of the Opposition: The Leader of Opposition acts as the main spokesperson for the opposition, expressing their views, concerns, and criticisms in Parliament.
Shadow Prime Minister Role:
1. The Leader of Opposition is often seen as a shadow Prime Minister, leading a "shadow cabinet."
2. This means they are prepared to take over if the current government resigns or is defeated, as seen with figures like Atal Bihari Vajpayee before he became Prime Minister.
Facilitating House Functioning:
1. The Leader of Opposition plays an important role in maintaining order and ensuring smooth functioning in the House.
2. They balance the work of the government with that of the opposition to ensure the legislative process runs efficiently.
Order of Precedence: The Leader of Opposition holds a high rank in the official order of precedence, placing them on par with Union Cabinet Ministers, the Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, former Prime Ministers, and Chief Ministers.

The Leader of Opposition holds an essential role in the Indian Parliament. By representing the largest opposition party, they provide checks and balances on the government, ensuring accountability. Their duties help maintain a healthy democratic process through oversight, constructive criticism, and offering alternative policy proposals. Through these functions, the Leader of Opposition plays a key role in the proper functioning of India's parliamentary system.

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