Opposition
Also called: Opposition party · Topic: Political Parties, Party Systems and Anti-defection · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"; Class 10, Ch 4 "Political Parties"
Meaning
The opposition is made up of the parties that lost the election and are not in government. They voice different views, criticise the government for its failures or wrong policies, and mobilise people against it. In this way they keep those in power answerable. A Leader of Opposition is recognised under the Salary and Allowances Act of 1977. By convention, the party needs 10% of the seats in the House to have its leader recognised.
Example
No party won 10% of the Lok Sabha's seats in 2014 or 2019, so the Lok Sabha had no Leader of Opposition from 2014 to 2024. The opposition parties still questioned and criticised the government in the House.
Don't confuse with
- Leader of Opposition: this is a recognised post held by one person, which needs about 10% of the seats by convention. "Opposition" means all the parties outside the government.