In 72 yrs of democracy, for 47 years LS did not have an LoP

Jaipur: A strong opposition is vital for a healthy democracy, yet India has lacked a recognised opposition for past decade. Over 72 years of parliamentary history, country has been without an opposition leader for 47 years. Since the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952, Congress dominated, leading the struggle for independence.

With 32 years in power, Congress has seen 6 leaders of the opposition, while BJP which has held power for the last 10 years, has seen 3 opposition leaders. In total, 11 individuals have served as Leader of Opposition, with LK Advani holding the position the most times (four). Ganga Devi had the shortest tenure, only 16 days. The absence of a Leader of Opposition underscores a significant challenge to democratic norms, highlighting the ongoing struggle for political balance and representation in India.

WHO IS THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION?
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha must be an elected member who heads the official Opposition and leads the largest party not in government, with at least 10% of Lok Sabha seats. However, the position has remained vacant for a decade as no party has attained the required 10% seat threshold.

VAJPAYEE LEAVES AN IMPACT AS LoP
Atal Bihari Vajpayee made an unforgettable impact as the LoP in the Lok Sabha. Despite his six-year tenure as Prime Minister, Vajpayee’s opposition leadership resonated more with the public. His eloquence and engagement with opposing parties defined parliamentary history. Vajpayee’s diplomatic skills were evident when PM PV Narasimha Rao chose him to represent India at United Nations, where he staunchly defended India’s stance on Kashmir. Despite ideological gaps, Vajpayee fostered a harmonious atmosphere between ruling and opposition parties, showcasing his ability to bridge divides through dialogue and respect.

RAM SUBHAG A LoP FOR THE FIRST TIME
For the first time, after the split of Congress in 1969, Congress (O) leader Dr. Ram Subhag Singh got the official status of LoP, but Congress, which ruled for the longest time in independent India, has not been able to secure 10% of the total number of Lok Sabha seats required for LoP in last two LS pollls. It secured 44 seats in 2014 and 52 in 2019 as against requirement of at least 55 seats.

LK ADVANI WAS THE LoP FOUR TIMES
Lal Krishna Advani, while not known for dynamic oratory, made significant contributions to maintaining parliamentary traditions. As Leader of the Opposition four times, he upheld coordination with the ruling party, preventing conflicts from arising. His grasp of subjects and commitment to parliamentary decorum left a lasting impression on Indian politics.

SUSHMA CAME READY FOR DEBATES
Sushma Swaraj, as Leader of Opposition during the second term of the Manmohan Singh government, was known for her thorough preparation and articulate speaking style. She effectively unified the opposition and criticized the ruling party with conviction.

SONIA KEPT THE OPPOSITION UNITED
Sonia Gandhi, despite being a relatively new politician, excelled in keeping opposition united during her tenure as LoP. While she didn’t actively engage in parliamentary debates, her efforts to unite opposition parties to challenge the government were widely praised.