The Indian National Congress officially designated Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, a constitutional role that carries cabinet rank, following his landmark victory in the Wayanad by-election. The CWC vote was unanimous, capping a dramatic political journey for Gandhi who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha in 2023 before being reinstated by the Supreme Court. Gandhi, accepting the role at a party press conference, said the opposition will hold the government accountable with facts, data, and constructive criticism.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, said having a constitutionally recognised Leader of Opposition for the first time since 2014 is crucial for parliamentary democracy. The role grants Gandhi formal access to the PMO for consultations on key national security and constitutional appointments. Political analysts said the LoP position gives Gandhi a national platform that transcends party boundaries and positions him as the primary face of the anti-NDA alliance heading into the next round of state elections. Speaker Om Birla confirmed the formal recognition of Gandhi appointment in the Lok Sabha Bulletin.