The war of words between the Congress and the BJP over the issue of leader of Opposition (loP) continued on Saturday amid the possibility of the former even taking the legal recourse if denied the post by the Speaker of the lok Sabha.
While reports have so far claimed that lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is likely to decide on it by Monday, the day when the Budget Session starts, the ruling party BJP is in no mood to concede the post to the Congress. It is believed that Speaker will strictly go by the rule book and is unlikely to rule in Congress’ favour. Political reactions came in as Congress is mulling the option of moving court if it is denied the post of leader of Opposition in the lok Sabha.
The Congress, which failed to win minimum 10 per cent seats in the lok Sabha elections, a criteria required conventionally to stake claim to the loP post, is demanding that the same be awarded to it as it has emerged as the largest opposition party. The party has also staked its claims arguing that the opposition coalition UPA has won the minimum required 55 seats, so it becomes automatic claimant to the loP post.
The leader of Congress in lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said: “loP issue is dependent on Speaker, she can do it if they want. We will discuss the issue at party meet.” His senior party colleague Rashid Alvi said that the 10 per cent rule isn’t hard and fast. “The Government should recognise the leader of Opposition,” he added.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Congress should give up this hue and cry about seats and introspect what is right and wrong. “They are reaping what they sowed,” Naqvi said. Another BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said, “The requisite for the post of loP is clear — Congress needs 55 seats. They can go to court but they will be embarrassed.”
Significantly, a Union Minister remarked that how could the Speaker decide on the matter when the Congress is yet to formally seek the status. He said people have not granted the numbers to the Congress to get that status and said the rules have been framed in 1977 and would be followed. He also cited the example of 1984 when the TDP was not accorded the status.
Asked whether Congress would write to the Speaker, AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said the decision will be taken by party leaders in both the Houses after consultations with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi.