Salary, allowances that RaGa might receive as Leader of Opposition

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) made a notable move by passing a resolution to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Saturday. This decision was announced by senior party leader KC Venugopal during a press conference. As Rahul Gandhi is poised to become the LoP let's dive into the breakdown of salary and allowances that he might receive.

Salary and allowances for leaders of the opposition

• Leaders of the Opposition receive a monthly salary and daily allowances at rates specified in Section 3 of the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954.
• They also receive a constituency allowance at the rate specified in Section 8 of the same Act.
• Moreover, a sumptuary allowance of Rs 2,000 per month is provided.

Residence provisions

• Leaders of the Opposition are entitled to use a furnished residence without paying rent while they hold the position and for one month after stepping down. Maintenance of the residence is included.
• In case of the death of a Leader of the Opposition, their family can use the furnished residence for one month following the death.
• After the one-month period, the family must pay rates prescribed by Union Government rules, including charges for electricity and water.

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Restriction on dual compensation

Leaders of the Opposition who receive a salary or allowances under this Act are not entitled to any additional salary or allowance from Parliament funds related to their membership in either the Upper or Lower House.

Role and importance of Leader of Opposition

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is a crucial role in Parliament. This position is held by a Member of Parliament who leads the largest party in opposition to the government. The LoP acts as the main spokesperson for the opposition and is recognized as such by the Speaker of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) or the Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the LoP is entitled to various salaries and allowances under the Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act of 1977.

New look for 18th Lok Sabha

The 18th Lok Sabha is set to have a different dynamic compared to the previous one. In the 2024 elections, the Congress party emerged as the second-largest party after the BJP, securing the potential to claim the post of the Leader of the Opposition. The Congress, with 99 seats initially, increased its tally to 100 after an Independent Lok Sabha member from Maharashtra, Vishal Patil, extended his support to the party. This development strengthens the likelihood of a Congress MP becoming the LoP.

Rahul Gandhi's response

Although the CWC has formally requested Rahul Gandhi to take up the position, he has not yet confirmed his acceptance. Venugopal mentioned that Gandhi would make his decision soon, leaving party members and supporters eagerly awaiting his response.

Road ahead for Congress

The decision to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition comes at a time when the Congress party is experiencing renewed energy and optimism. Venugopal highlighted that the atmosphere within the CWC has improved, with both leaders and workers showing increased enthusiasm.