Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been appointed the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This decision was communicated to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab via a letter from Congress, following a meeting of the INDIA bloc’s floor leaders at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal confirmed that Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, had officially informed the Pro-tem Speaker of this decision.
Gandhi’s appointment comes with the status of a cabinet minister and is his first constitutional role in over two-and-a-half decades of political career. As Leader of Opposition, he will also be part of significant panels for key appointments, such as those of the Lokpal, CBI chief, and Chief Election Commissioner.
Mallikarjun Kharge praised the decision, emphasizing Gandhi’s commitment to representing the marginalized and upholding the principles of democracy and the Constitution. Several political leaders and party members expressed their support and congratulations, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel among those welcoming Gandhi’s new role.
The Congress Working Committee had previously passed a resolution urging Gandhi to accept the position, highlighting his suitability for the role. Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 54, has been an MP for five terms and currently represents the Rae Bareli constituency.
