Rahul Gandhi's 7 BIG responsibilities as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha: 'Shadow PM' must oppose but...

With great power comes great responsibility. A slew of roles and responsibilities awaits Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who took over as the Leader of the Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha.

During the Parliament Session on Wednesday, — the It was after 10 years that the Lok Sabha got its Leader of the Opposition after the

If the Leader of the Opposition lets the Prime Minister govern, he is, in turn, permitted to oppose but not obstruct the workings of Parliament by sloganeering or in any other way.

One of the major roles of the Leader of the Opposition is to 'effectively' question the government's policies. The role of Leader of the Opposition is, in fact, very challenging as he has to ensure accountability of the government to the legislature and to the public and present alternatives to government proposals/policies.

"His/her proactive role in facilitating smooth functioning of the business of the House is as important as that of the Government," says a booklet on "The Indian Parliament".

The Leader of the Opposition "is a shadow Prime Minister" with a 'shadow Cabinet' — prepared to take up the responsibility of forming a government if his party secures a majority at an election or if the present government resigns or is defeated.

A says that the Leader of the Opposition, therefore, has to carefully measure his words and actions and act with as much responsibility as is expected of the Prime Minister on a matter of national interest.

If the Leader of the Opposition feels that the "government is trying to slide over an important issue and shun parliamentary criticism," he can rightfully demand a debate on the issue.

On matters such as foreign relations and defence policy, the Prime Minister may, at times, consult the Leader of the