A AKHTER / NEW DELHI
Seven months after the new NDA government took office, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has continued to manage his affairs with his old team. However, changes are expected during the upcoming Budget session, when he will introduce a new team to assist him in Parliament.
While no official announcement has been made by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, sources say two senior officials have been proposed for key positions. Both officials are from the private sector, according to insiders.
As Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi is entitled to the same rank and privileges as a Cabinet minister, allowing for a team of up to fifteen members.
Sources indicate that Mr. P. Srinivasan and Ms. Bharti Sekar have been shortlisted to assist the Leader of the Opposition in the gazetted positions. Their official appointments are pending the completion of the verification process. Additionally, two more names have been cleared for personnel assistance, with their police verification already completed.