The Congress will wait to hear the Modi Government’s response to the Supreme Court's observations on the Leader of Opposition issue, before it takes its next step, even as it said the apex court’s position had “vindicated” its stand – that the Speaker's decision to deny the LoP status to it in the Lok Sabha appeared to be “coloured by the BJP's partisan agenda”.
Former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid, responding to questions, told journalists, “Let the government give a response. It would be premature to react now.” To questions on whether the Congress would challenge the denial of LoP status to it, he said, “Since the matter is already in court, it is easier for us.”
The BJP, on its part, was quick to hit back: BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said the Congress is using the appointment of the Lokpal to get the LoP post. ``People’s mandate does not give them the status of LOP. They must accept that.’’
Meanwhile, former commerce minister Anand Sharma said the Supreme Court’s observation had “vindicated what the Congress and the UPA have been saying through out..The decision of the Speaker was in utter disregard to law and appears to be clearly influenced and coloured by the partisan agenda of the BJP-led government.”
The Congress’s responses came soon after the Supreme Court agreed to interpret the LoP provision for the purpose of appointment of a Lokpal as the LoP is a member of the selection committee. Stressing the significance of the post, a bench headed by
Chief Justice R M Lodha said the LoP conveys the voice of a representative different from government in the House and asked the Centre to make its stand clear within two weeks, saying the legislation cannot be put in "cold storage". The court also observed that the LoP issue is relevant not only in the Lokpal law but also in other existing and incoming legislations - a point that the Congress has been making while claiming the LoP post.
