India’s new leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi made a powerful statement in his first speech since assuming the post that had remained vacant for a decade. Gandhi, the chief rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was appointed by fellow opposition lawmakers, signaling a revitalized challenge to the government.
In his address in parliament, Gandhi emphasized the importance of the opposition as the voice of the Indian people. Despite his party’s previous limitations in the legislature, the recent election saw a resurgence for the Congress party, with Gandhi nearly doubling their parliamentary numbers.
With Modi’s party falling short of a majority this year, the government now relies on coalition allies. Modi has reached out to the opposition for consensus after his election setback, while Gandhi stressed the need for democratic debate and the protection of the constitution.
As India navigates this new political landscape, the role of the opposition and the need for collaborative governance take center stage, setting the tone for a more dynamic and inclusive parliamentary process.