New Delhi, June 8, 2024 — In a significant political development, Congress has nominated Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in India's Lok Sabha. The decision was made during the Congress Working Committee meeting held on Saturday and was passed unanimously, as reported by senior Congress leader KC Venugopal.

Despite the unanimous resolution, Rahul Gandhi has requested time to consider the nomination. KC Venugopal stated, "Rahul Gandhi has been requested by the working committee to be the leader of the opposition party. He said he will take a decision on this soon."

According to Venugopal, Rahul Gandhi is currently viewed as the most qualified candidate for the position. The nomination is seen as recognition of his significant contributions to the party's improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where Congress won 99 seats. This is a substantial increase from the 52 seats won in the 2019 general elections. Many credit the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a nationwide campaign led by Rahul Gandhi, as a key factor in this success.

The meeting saw participation from key Congress figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and other top leaders. The party's improved performance is also seen as a testament to Rahul Gandhi's leadership and campaign strategies.

The Congress-led 'India' alliance secured 233 seats in the recent elections, falling short of the 272 seats needed to form a government. Nonetheless, the increase in seats is a notable achievement for Congress, setting the stage for a stronger opposition presence in the Lok Sabha.

This development underscores the evolving political landscape in India and the critical role Rahul Gandhi continues to play within the Congress party.