Congress Alleges BJP Violated Protocol by Insulting Opposition Leaders
Congress accuses BJP of violating constitutional protocol by disrespecting opposition leaders.
Photo by Brett Jordan
Key Facts
Congress alleges BJP violated constitutional protocol
LoPs relegated to back rows during Republic Day event
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Role of the Leader of Opposition in ensuring accountability of the government.
Potential questions on constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and the role of key political figures.
Visual Insights
Evolution of the Leader of Opposition Role & Related Events
This timeline highlights key events related to the Leader of Opposition role in India, including the formal recognition of the position and recent debates surrounding its importance.
The position of Leader of Opposition has evolved over time, gaining formal recognition and statutory backing. Recent events highlight ongoing debates about its importance and the need for amendments to existing laws.
- 1952Informal recognition of LoP in Lok Sabha
- 1969Formal recognition of LoP
- 1977Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977
- 2014-2019LoP position vacant in Lok Sabha due to lack of required strength of opposition party
- 2024Debate on amending the law to allow for a LoP even if the 10% threshold is not met.
- 2026Congress alleges BJP violated protocol by insulting opposition leaders during Republic Day celebrations.
More Information
Background
The concept of an official Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India evolved gradually. While informal recognition existed earlier, statutory recognition came with the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. This Act formally defined the LoP as the leader of the largest opposition party having not less than one-tenth of the total strength of the House.
The designation carries with it certain privileges and responsibilities, including membership in key committees and a prominent role in parliamentary debates. The LoP's position is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy by providing a check on the government's actions and offering alternative policy perspectives. Before 1977, the absence of a formal structure often led to ambiguities and inconsistencies in according recognition and privileges to the opposition leader.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the appointment and recognition of the LoP have faced challenges, particularly when no single opposition party secures the requisite one-tenth of the seats in the Lok Sabha. This situation arose after the 2014 and 2019 general elections, leading to debates about the interpretation of the 1977 Act and the role of the Speaker in recognizing the LoP. While the Act provides a framework, the Speaker's discretion in interpreting the rules has become a point of contention.
There have been suggestions to amend the Act to provide greater clarity on the criteria for recognizing the LoP, especially in situations where no party meets the one-tenth threshold. The ongoing discussions highlight the need to adapt the legal framework to the evolving political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and why is the position important, according to the provided context?
The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is the leader of the largest opposition party in the legislature. The LoP is important because they hold the government accountable and provide an alternative viewpoint. The statutory recognition came with the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
2. According to the news, what specific action by the BJP is alleged to be a violation of protocol?
The Congress party alleges that the BJP violated protocol by relegating Leaders of the Opposition (LoPs) Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the back rows during the Republic Day event, despite Kharge holding Cabinet rank.
3. What is the historical background of the Leader of Opposition's position in India?
The concept of an official Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India evolved gradually. While informal recognition existed earlier, statutory recognition came with the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. This Act formally defined the LoP as the leader of the largest opposition party having not less than one-tenth of the total strength of the House.
4. Why is the Congress party claiming that the alleged protocol violation is politically immature?
The Congress views the alleged relegation of LoPs to the back rows as a deliberate act that undermines the ethos of the Republic and reflects political immaturity. They believe it disrespects the position of the opposition in a democracy.
5. What are the recent developments regarding the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India?
In recent years, the appointment and recognition of the LoP have faced challenges, particularly when no single opposition party secures the requisite one-tenth of the seats in the Lok Sabha. This situation arose after the 2014 and 2019 general elections, leading to debates about the interpretation of the 1977 Act and the role of the Speaker in recognizing the LoP.
6. What key legislation formally defines the Leader of the Opposition in India?
The Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977 formally defines the LoP as the leader of the largest opposition party having not less than one-tenth of the total strength of the House.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Indian Parliament: 1. The position of LoP is a constitutional post mentioned in the Constitution of India. 2. The Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, provides statutory recognition to the LoP. 3. To be recognized as LoP, a party must have at least one-tenth of the total strength of the House. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The position of the Leader of Opposition is NOT a constitutional post mentioned in the Constitution of India. It is a statutory post. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, provides statutory recognition to the LoP. Statement 3 is CORRECT: As per the Act, to be recognized as LoP, a party must have at least one-tenth of the total strength of the House.
2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the historical context of according official status to the Leader of the Opposition in India?
- A.The position was formally recognized immediately after India's independence in 1947.
- B.The formal recognition came with the enactment of the Constitution of India in 1950.
- C.Statutory recognition was granted through the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
- D.The Supreme Court mandated the formal recognition of the LoP in the 1960s.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is correct. The Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, provided statutory recognition to the Leader of the Opposition. Before this, the position lacked formal legal backing, although it was informally recognized.
3. Assertion (A): Disrespecting the Leader of Opposition during national events can be seen as undermining democratic principles. Reason (R): The Leader of Opposition plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable and providing alternative perspectives. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Disrespecting the LoP can be seen as undermining democratic principles because the LoP is essential for government accountability and providing alternative viewpoints.