Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge lauded the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, stating that with Gandhi's new role, the House of the People will accurately represent the hopes of the most marginalized individuals. The Congress party announced Rahul Gandhi, MP from Raebareli, as the Leader of the Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha, marking the end of a decade-long absence of an LoP since 2014. Kharge expressed confidence in Gandhi's ability to advocate for the people, especially the disadvantaged and poor, given his extensive travels across India. The Congress chief reaffirmed the party's dedication to safeguarding democracy and the Constitution, emphasizing principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Notably, the Lok Sabha had been without a Leader of the Opposition for the past ten years due to no party, other than the ruling party, meeting the minimum seat requirement. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress became the second-largest party with 52 seats, just short of the required number. After the 2024 polls, Congress improved its tally to 100. The announcement of Rahul Gandhi as LoP precedes the election for the Lok Sabha Speaker. Rahul Gandhi won from both Raebareli and Wayanad, but later decided to retain only the Raebareli seat, prompting the nomination of Priyanka Gandhi for Wayanad. If successful, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will serve in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, as the leader of the largest opposition party, will participate in crucial committees and selection panels for key statutory bodies. The leader of the Opposition is recognized under the 1977 Act and enjoys benefits equivalent to a cabinet minister.