As Leader Of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi Now Has A Say In Key Appointments

New Delhi: In his new capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in the appointment process for key officials such as the CBI director, the Chief Election Commissioners, the National Human Rights Commission chairperson and the Chief Vigilance Commissioner.

On the selection panels for most of these appointments, the government has a 2-1 advantage, as it comprises the Prime Minister and a Union Minister. But as Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi will have a say, according to NDTV.

As a Leader of the Opposition, 54-year-old Gandhi will enjoy the rank of a cabinet minister and get an office and staff in the Parliament building.

In his first House appearance in his new role, Gandhi was sharply dressed in a white kurta-pajama combo, dissing the white t-shirt-trouser look he is usually seen in. Gandhi walked up to Om Birla and congratulated him on becoming the Speaker. He also shook Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hand and the two leaders, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, escorted the Speaker to his chair.

Addressing the House, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Om Birla on his election, but also sent across a message from the Opposition. He said the Lok Sabha Speaker is the final arbiter of the voice of the people, and the Opposition this time represents that voice significantly more than the last time.