Rahul Struggles to Pick His Deputy in Lok Sabha

Rahul Gandhi faces tough challenge selecting new Lok Sabha deputy leader of opposition amid internal party factionalism.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

For Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, organisational decisions pose a major challenge—and the selection of a new deputy leader within the Lok Sabha is one of the biggest. Gandhi has recently appointed the current Deputy Leader, Gaurav Gogoi, as the President of Assam Congress, effectively projecting him as the party's Chief Ministerial face in the state. This means the Congress now needs a new deputy leader in the House who can not only manage the floor effectively but also speak fluent Hindi.

Among the strong contenders, names like Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari emerge. However, both have appeared close to the Modi government following Operation Sindoor, having taken a stance that differed from the Congress party line by openly supporting the government. Their roles will be closely watched during the upcoming Monsoon Session.

Another possible candidate is Kumari Selja—a senior and experienced leader. However, her political base is in Haryana, and she currently serves as the party's general secretary. Gandhi is reportedly planning a major organisational shake-up in Haryana, intending to sideline factional leaders and promote fresh faces. Sources suggest that an OBC leader could be named the new state president, while a non-Jat may lead the legislative party.