Statute Book by side, Rahul to take on Modi as LoP

New Delhi, NT Bureau: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will occupy the post of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a letter about the decision has been sent to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab by the Congress party.

The decision on Rahul Gandhi's appointment as Leader of Opposition was announced after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal told the media that CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written to the Pro-tem Speaker about the decision.

"Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson (Sonia Gandhi) wrote to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, informing him of the decision to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha," Venugopal told reporters after the meeting.

He said the decision on other appointments will be decided later. The floor leaders of opposition INDIA bloc had got together at the Congress chief's residence to discuss the Speaker's election and sources said they were informed about the "good news".

With this decision, Rahul Gandhi finally bites the bullet in taking up this role, as he would now get the status of a cabinet minister's rank.

This will also enhance his position in the protocol list and could be a natural claimant to the post of prime minister of the opposition bloc. Gandhi as the LoP would be a member of important panels on key appointments of Lokpal, CBI chief, Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, besides the selection of Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Information Commission and the NHRC chief.

The prime minister heads all such panels. Kharge hailed the decision, saying the House of the People shall truly reflect the aspirations of the last person standing.