Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has said Speaker Sumitra Mahajan should designate a member of the Lok Sabha as Leader of the Opposition even if “there is no clear applicable rule.” ("Speaker should choose LoP despite no clear rule" July 27). Perhaps Mr. Chatterjee would not have said so if the BJP or its political partners had faced a similar situation. Constitutional provisions are more important than an individual’s or a party’s views. If the hitch in designating an LoP has to be removed, an amendment has to be made to the Constitution. This is not possible without the agreement of the NDA. In the next election, if the single largest Opposition party gets 10 per cent or more seats, an amendment can be moved to remove the obstacle.
K.V. Seetharamaiah,Hassan, Karnataka
It is not pleasant to see the Indian National Congress harping on the post of LoP. The party can voice its concerns even without the post. MPs have many opportunities to take on the government in the House.
K.B. Dessai,Margao
