The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a remark about the opposition INDIA bloc potentially considering making the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha rotational. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj commented on the possibility, suggesting that if the INDIA alliance feels Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is not fulfilling his responsibilities effectively, they could contemplate rotating the role among opposition parties.
However, RSP MP NK Premachandran strongly rejected these claims, calling them “baseless.” He clarified that the idea of making the LoP post rotational is not under consideration and stated that the position is held by a leader from the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha. According to Premachandran, this is a well-established convention, and the question of rotation does not arise.
Experts echoed this view, explaining that only an MP from the largest opposition party with at least 10% of the total seats in the House can be appointed as LoP. Former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary confirmed that the decision is solely the prerogative of the largest opposition party, with no role for the government or the Speaker in this matter. Thus, Rahul Gandhi’s position as the LoP remains secure under the established norms.
