Consider the following statements: 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party 2. In the Lok Sabha, a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognized for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 and 3 only
- B. 2 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct: The Congress party won 364 of the 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha and finished way ahead of any other challenger. The Communist Party of India that came next in terms of seats won only 16 seats. Statement 2 is correct: In 1969, an official leader of opposition was recognised for the first time. However, it was given statutory recognition in 1977. Statement 3 is not correct: The leader of the largest Opposition party having not less than one-tenth seats of the total strength of the House is recognised as the leader of Opposition in that House.