Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, as announced by party general secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi informed pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab of Rahul Gandhi’s appointment through an official letter.

This decision marks a significant step for Rahul Gandhi, who has been in politics for over two-and-a-half decades but has not held a constitutional position until now. As the LoP, Gandhi will hold a status equivalent to that of a cabinet minister, enhancing his position in the protocol list. This new role also positions him as a potential prime ministerial candidate for the opposition bloc.

As the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi will be a member of crucial panels responsible for key appointments, including those of the Lokpal, CBI chief, Chief Election Commissioner, and other Election Commissioners. He will also be involved in selecting the heads of the Central Vigilance Commission, Central Information Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission. These panels are chaired by the prime minister.

At 54, Rahul Gandhi is a prominent figure in the Nehru-Gandhi family and has served as an MP for five terms. He currently represents the Rae Bareli constituency in the Lok Sabha, a seat previously held by his mother, Sonia Gandhi. Although he won from two constituencies—Wayanad in Kerala and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh—he resigned from Wayanad, paving the way for his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest from there.

Rahul Gandhi first entered politics in 2004, winning his inaugural election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. On Tuesday, he took his oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha, holding up a copy of the Constitution and concluding with “Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan” chants.

This appointment marks the first time in ten years that there will be a Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The Congress, having secured 99 seats in the recent elections, is now entitled to the post. Following the election, the Congress passed a single-line resolution to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that Rahul Gandhi, who has traveled extensively across the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Manipur to Maharashtra, will effectively raise the voice of the people, especially the marginalized and poor. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal echoed this sentiment, stating that Rahul Gandhi will be a bold voice for the common people of India and will ensure that the NDA government is held firmly accountable at all times.

Rahul Gandhi's new role as the Leader of Opposition is expected to bring a new dynamic to the parliamentary proceedings, as he takes on the responsibility of holding the government accountable and voicing the concerns of the people.