Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.
  2. In the Lok Sabha, a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognised for the first time in 1969.
  3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 and 3 only
  • 2 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 only

Notes:
  • The Indian general election of 1951–52, held from 25 October 1951 to 21 February 1952, was the first election to the Lok Sabha since India became independent in August 1947.
    • The Indian National Congress (INC) won a landslide victory, winning 364 of the 489 seats and 45% of the total votes polled.
    • Jawaharlal Nehru became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the country.
    • The Communist Party of India (CPI) came second with 16 seats.
  • In 1969, an official leader of the opposition was recognized for the first time. However, it was given statutory recognition in 1977.
  • The leader of the largest opposition party having not less than one-tenth seats of the total strength of the House is recognized as the leader of Opposition in that House.
    • The 10% of the total strength of the House is 55 seats in the Lok Sabha. This is as per the Mavalakar Rule. G V Mavalankar was the first Speaker of Lok Sabha.
    • Leader of Opposition is a statutory position that is defined in the 1977 Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act.
Significance of Leader Of Opposition:
  • The “shadow prime minister” or the “alternative prime minister” are terms used to describe him. If the current administration is toppled or is unable to get a majority in the house of parliament, he also offers a backup administration.
  • The absence of such a Leader of the Opposition will weaken the democratic spirit since the opposition will be unable to present a united front in opposition to the ruling party.
  • By offering the administration constructive critique, he also contributes significantly to the government’s functioning in terms of policy and legislative actions.
  • He also offers a different perspective and aids in the representation of one that differs from the government’s.
  • The opposition leader, among other things, also keeps an eye out for violations of minorities’ rights and calls for debates when the government tries to evade parliamentary scrutiny.
  • He is essential in ensuring impartiality and bipartisanship in the nominations made to institutions that promote accountability and openness.