Official Opposition is a term used in India to designate the political party which has secured the largest number of seats in the Lower House of parliament (Lok Sabha) but is not a part of the ruling party or coalition.
A political party is officially accorded the status of an opposition party in Lok Sabha, only if it secures at least 10 percent of the seats.
- 1984 - 1989: Telugu Desam Party
- 1989 - 1991: Indian National Congress
- 1991 - 1998: Bharatiya Janata Party
- 1998 - 2004: Indian National Congress
- 2004 - 2009: Bharatiya Janata Party
- 2009- : Bharatiya Janata Party
function of Ruling Party: The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public.The Opposition is equally responsible in upholding the best interests of the people of the country. They have to ensure that the Government does not take any steps, which might have negative implications on the people of the country.
the role of the opposition in parliament is basically to check the excesses of the ruling or dominant party, and not to be totally antagonistic. There are actions of the ruling party which may be beneficial to the masses and oppositions are expected to support such things.
In Parliament, Opposition Party should act firmly on behalf of common mass fighting for their common interest and grievances. They should raise immediate protest before a Bill passed, which is against the interest of common-men. Opposition legislators should always bear in mind that they are the representatives from each and every countryman fighting for justified demands and defending all unlawful and unfair practice.
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