CWC passes resolution to appoint Rahul Gandhi as leader of opposition in Lok Sabha

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest executive forum of the party, has unanimously passed a resolution to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. This decision was made during an extended CWC meeting on Saturday. Gandhi, who has secured victories in Wayanad and Raebareli, expressed that he would consider the proposal. However, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reminded him that since the CWC had passed the resolution, he should accept the post.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal announced the resolution after the meeting, emphasizing the unanimous support for Rahul Gandhi to take the LoP position. Venugopal highlighted Gandhi’s significant role in the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, citing his efforts in raising critical issues such as unemployment, price rise, women’s issues, social justice, and the Agniveer scheme.

The CWC’s main resolution praised Gandhi for his leadership during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which were seen as pivotal moments in Indian politics. The resolution acknowledged Gandhi’s sharp and focused election campaign, which centered on protecting the Constitution and resonated strongly with various demographics, including youth, women, farmers, workers, Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and minorities.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar expressed his support for Gandhi, stating that the public also desires to see him as the Prime Minister in the future. Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor echoed this sentiment in an interview, emphasizing that Gandhi should lead the opposition in the Lok Sabha, complementing Kharge’s leadership in the Rajya Sabha.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha holds significant privileges and responsibilities. To be eligible for the LoP post, a party must hold at least 10 percent of the seats in the Lok Sabha. The LoP is a member of crucial committees such as Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, and Estimates. They also participate in various Joint Parliamentary panels and serve on selection committees for appointing heads of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as well as chiefs of statutory bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Information Commission (CIC).

The post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha has been vacant since 2014, as no opposition party has secured the required 10 percent of the seats.