Historic Shift: 18th Lok Sabha to Witness Return of LoP and Deputy Speaker

The 18th Lok Sabha is set to see a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and possibly a Deputy Speaker after ten years, ending the absence of these crucial roles. This development comes as the opposition parties gain numbers, with many emphasizing the importance of filling constitutional requirements and strengthening democratic norms.

In a landmark shift, the 18th Lok Sabha is poised to reintroduce the role of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and potentially elect a Deputy Speaker after a decade-long gap. This significant development follows an increase in opposition numbers, marking the firm's first steps towards re-establishing crucial parliamentary roles that ensure robust legislative functioning.

Political observers highlight that the vacuum of these roles in recent years weakened the democratic framework. According to Chakshu Roy of PRS Legislative Research, the absence of a Deputy Speaker in both national and state legislatures in the past has been troubling. Roy also pointed out the essential role an LoP plays in fostering critical debate within Parliament.

The new Congress-led opposition bloc now crosses the requisite numbers, making it eligible to designate an official LoP. This move is expected to give the opposition a formal voice, thereby reinforcing democratic traditions and procedures that are pivotal for balanced governance.

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