Question 1 · 10 marks · 198 words written
Opening · a definition
Parliament expresses the voice of opposition through Leader of opposition, legally defined as the leader of party having second largest number of MPs as per Salaries and Allowance of Leader of Opposition Act.
Body · points
Expression of Dissent essential because:
- To express various opinions
- A check on executive excess and balance of powers
- To ensure the spirit of laws and constitutionalism are upheld
- To propose alternative opinions and laws like - private members bill
Role of Leader of Opposition
- To funnel the divided voice of opinion and express it to government
- To check majoritarian and rushed policies
- Lateral entry withdrawn as reservation not taken
- On British lines of shadow parliament, have an alternative vision ready for policies
- To ensure socially and regionally equitable policies so that ruling party doesn't miss out on the margins
- In appointment of various bodies eg Central Info Commissioner
However criticism to role
- Obstructinary role - as seen in 17th Lok Sabha - 55 cases of disruption.
- As ideologically parties are not much different - leads to identity politics
Close · a summary
Dissent and opposing voices enrich debates and ensure dialectics of ideas to give best policies.