In the newly-elected Lok Sabha, no party has got 55 seats and the closest to the mark is Congress with 44 seats.
A Leader of Opposition in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha enjoys the status of a Cabinet rank minister with equivalent salary and perks.
Raising the pitch over the issue, Congress had yesterday said that it will be “undemocratic” if the ruling party ignores its say in the appointment of Lokpal and other such key decisions.
AICC Communication Department Chairman Ajay Maken had said “having no opposition member on selection committee for Lokpal defeats the very purpose institution and spirit of Lokpal and it is against democratic norms.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, had, however, steered clear of questions on the issue of Leader of Opposition status to the Congress saying the matter is with the Speaker.
“The matter is with the Speaker. I do not want to say anything about it”, he said.
He had earlier taunted the Congress saying that people have not chosen any party for the position of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Congress supported the JD(U) government twice in Bihar and there have been indications of the two parties coming together for some time despite the fact that Congress is in alliance with JD(U)'s arch rival RJD in Bihar.
Recently, there was also indication that JD(U) could support a Congress leader for Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar but no such request was made from Congress.
