Srinagar, July 2 : Ashok Bhan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Geo-Political Analyst says Rahul Gandhi as leader of opposition would remain the voice of the people in Parliament.
In a statement issued to KNS, Bhan said: This significant position has been previously held by his family members, with Rajiv Gandhi becoming the first in 1989-90, followed by Sonia Gandhi from 1999-2004. Although not a constitutional post, the Leader of the Opposition role grants Rahul Gandhi certain powers, including participating in the appointment process for civil servants and public officials to key positions. He will have a say in the appointment of key bureaucrats and be a member of essential committees, including Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, Estimates, and various Joint Parliamentary Committees.”
He will also be part of selection committees responsible for appointing heads of statutory bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Information Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the National Human Rights Commission of India, and the Lokpal, he added.
“In the absence of a recognized Leader of the Opposition, the largest opposition party’sleader is inducted into the selection committee as per the Central Vigilance Commission
Act, 2003. Rahul Gandhi’s inclusion ensures the opposition’s participation in crucial decisions, even though the government holds a 2-1 advantage on most selection panels,” he added.
The statement also reads that “As Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi enjoys the rank of a Cabinet minister, along with an office and staff in the Parliament building.
Congress President Kharge hailed the decision, expressing confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s ability to raise the voice of the marginalized and the poor.leaders across the political spectrum expressed happiness on his accepting to accept the position of LOP. Several leaders lauded and thanked Rahul Gandhi for accepting the position, hoping he would remain the voice of the people in Parliament. Congress deputy leader in the Rajya
Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, emphasized that the voices of the people, previously crushed, will now echo fearlessly through Rahul Gandhi,.” he said.
“Rahul Gandhi on first day in Lok Sabha said while the ruling collation has the duty to govern in accordance with rule of Law on the other hand opposition has the mandate to raise the voice for the and pressing issues of people and create checks and balances in the excessive exercise of power by the government.
The ruling NDA needs to rise above coalition compulsions and demonstrate a democratic and tolerant political temperament by conceding the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition in the Lok Sabha,” he added
