Rahul Gandhi appointed Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
PTC Web Desk: Congress leader and MP from Rae Bareli Rahul Gandhi has been appointed Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Congress announced on Tuesday.
The decision comes just hours before the 18th Lok Sabha's first major battle for Speaker, between a resurgent opposition and a diminished ruling coalition.
Earlier in the day, the Congress party issued a three-line whip to its MPs, instructing them to be present in the House tomorrow. Notably, The opposition had been demanding the position of Deputy Speaker; however, with no clarity from the BJP, the INDIA bloc has proposed Congress MP K Suresh for the Speaker's post.
On the other hand, the BJP has nominated its Kota MP Om Birla for the top post, having previously served as Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.
Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that they had informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that the Opposition is willing to support the NDA's Speaker candidate if the Deputy Speaker position is given to the opposition.
Rahul Gandhi told reporters on Tuesday, "We have told Rajnath Singh that we will support their Speaker (candidate), but the convention is that the position of Deputy Speaker is given to the opposition."
- PTC NEWS
