GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

“A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.” In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India.

Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

ParliamentTransparency and AccountabilityExecutive

Syllabus: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

How toppers approached it

From all 7 answers · about 180 words · 29% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A date or context29%
  • A definition29%
  • No separate opening29%
  • A quotation14%

Body

  • Points86%
  • Points and prose14%

Close

  • A summary86%
  • A quotation14%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 142 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The leader of opposition (LOP) is a critical, statutory post for enhancing the democratic rigour of our parliament.

Body · points

Role of LOP in Lok Sabha

  1. Raising matters of imminent public importance. Ex: Inflation, etc.

  2. Asking questions on behalf of opposition parties Ex: Rafale Deal issue

  3. Censuring the ministers to show disapproval of policies

  4. Serves as 'shadow PM'; given equivalence as cabinet minister.

(5) Shaming and naming the govt. in case of failure.

(6) Key role in appointments. Ex: CBI director

(7) Forging consensus across opposition

(8) Chairperson (PAC)

Measures to enhance effectiveness

(1) Removing 10% norm for acting as LOP: Possibilities of highly scattered voting pattern.

(2) Provide them permanent secretariat.

(3) Speaker should engage to discuss course of House proceedings.

(4) Political camaraderie with Council of ministers.

Close · a summary

Thus, powerful opposition is a sine-qua-non to parliamentary legitimacy.

More on Parliament

Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges and committees.

All GS2 questions on Parliament