Setback for Congress, AG says Sonia's party not eligible for Leader of Opposition post

New Delhi, July 25: In a major setback for

, Attorney General (AG) on Friday, July 25 confirmed that

's party is not eligible to become the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the

.

According to sources, the AG asked Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to reject Congress's plea as the party does not have the strength which should be equal to the quorum of the House.

Meanwhile, reacting against the statement of the AG, Congress leader Manish Tewarri claimed, Congress is the second largest party in the House. AG's opinion does not undermine Congress party's claim."

Congress earlier had pleaded for the LoP post accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of playing "petty politics" over the issue.

Congress with 44 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha has emerged as the second largest party after BJP's 282 but fell short by 11 seats to stake claim for the LoP, for which it requires a strength of 55.

As per Direction 121 of the 'Directions of the Speaker', the Speaker should ensure that a Parliamentary party or group should have at least one-tenth of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha for being eligible for getting the LoP post.

OneIndia News