Ghulam Nabi Azad Retires From Rajya Sabha: Know Top Runners For Leader Of Opposition Post

Azad, whose term ends on February 15, earlier in the day bid an emotional farewell to the Rajya Sabha as he said that he was proud to be a “Hindustani Muslim”.

(Image: PTI)

New Delhi: With the Rajya Sabha term of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad ending in a week’s time,  the grand old party now appears to be in a dilemma as to who will take over as the next Leader of Opposition in the Upper House. Azad, whose term ends on February 15, earlier in the day bid an emotional farewell to the Rajya Sabha as he said that he was proud to be a “Hindustani Muslim”.

Below are some names doing rounds for the Leader of Opposition post:

P. Chidambaram: Chidambaram, who served as the Union Minister of Home and Finance during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, is said to be one of the topmost choices for the Leader of Opposition’s post, courtesy his reputation for competence and efficiency. The 75-year-old, who is presently a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra, has always been at the forefront when it comes to countering the government and its decisions. However, the controversy surrounding the Aircel-Maxis case and Chidambaram’s inability to speak Hindi well may be a hindrance in the Congress offering him the Leader of Opposition’s post.

Mallikarjun Kharge: With experience as the Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019, Kharge appears to be the front-runner for the post. The Karnataka strongman’s proximity with the Gandhi family, particularly Rahul Gandhi, also puts him ahead in the race. Despite losing the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Gulbarga, the Congress awarded him with a Rajya Sabha seat.

A.K. Antony: The former Defence Minister of India is presently a Rajya Sabha member from Kerala for the fifth term since 1985. Antony also currently serves as the Chairman of the Disciplinary Action Committee of the All India Congress Committee, Congress Working Committee and member of the Congress Core Group and Central Election Committee. He has thrice been the Chief Minister of Kerala and Leader of Opposition once in the Kerala legislative assembly.

Anand Sharma: The former Union Minister is presently the Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sharma, one of the founding members of the Congress’ youth wing National Students Union of India (NSUI), was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1984.