Nara Lokesh tackles leader of opposition void with Lokayukta Amendment Bill

Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, introduced the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Amendment Bill in the Legislative Council, emphasising the coalition government’s commitment to upholding democratic values. The bill addresses the absence of a Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly following the 2024 elections.
The amendment proposes changes to the Lokayukta Members Selection Committee, which previously included the Chief Minister, Speaker, Home Minister (or any minister), Leader of the Opposition, and the Council Chairman. In the absence of a Leader of the Opposition, the committee will now operate with the remaining four members. Lokesh clarified that the amendment ensures continuity and does not eliminate the role of opposition leaders.
Addressing Council Member KS Lakshman Rao’s suggestion to include an opposition party member in the committee, Lokesh reiterated that the amendment strictly pertains to situations where there is no official Leader of the Opposition. He further said the need for continuity in the Lokayukta’s functioning, with guidelines for appointing the Lokayukta Chairperson, typically a retired Chief Justice or High Court Judge, and Upa Lokayukta, usually a retired District Judge.
Reflecting on the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) elections, Lokesh criticised the YSRCP for abstaining from voting after filing nominations. He attributed the situation to former Chief Minister Jagan Reddy’s absence from the Assembly, which necessitated these legislative amendments.
“The people’s mandate has placed us in power, and we have a sacred responsibility to uphold the spirit of Lokayukta,” Lokesh stated.