In the democracy, importance of healthy, vigilant and effective opposition has been realised. Democratic form of Government does not recognise the ‘divine-right’ theory. In dictatorship, there is always apprehension of misuse of absolute power. Democracy implies not only debate but dissent also. Discussion and dissent are necessary for healthy functioning of the democracy, especially in the parliamentary form of Government, where role of opposition has been officially recoginsed. In England, the opposition leader is regarded as the future prime minister of the nation and he is provided with several facilities. In India also , the leader of opposition is officially entitled to the status of a cabinet rank to enable him to function properly.
For the efficient and healthy democracy, healthy opposition is indispensable. In the absence of vigilent, alert, watchful, well-informed and wide-awaken opposition, the ruling party may act arbitrarily . Exploitation is deeprooted in the nature of men. The ruling party can follow the basic principle of ‘might is right’ , because power makes a man corrupt and the absolute power makes him absoltely corrupt. In such state of affairs, opposition parties do not exploit, but save from being exploited.
Oppostion is meant to check the arbitrary motions on the floor of the parliaments or legislative assemblies and keeps in tact the spirit of the Constitution to safeguard the interests of people at large. It applies timely brakes, which is necessary for smooth functioning of the democracy. Healthy criticism enables the opposition to check the working of the ruling party. Strong opposition has been provided with intention to keep the politics balanced and also clean , free from pollution and dirt. Without strong opposition, there is every apprehension of anarchy, lawlessness and dissatisfiaction, which can spoil the very spirit of the democracy. Although the role of the opposition may appear to be unpleasant practice of surgery , yet it removes the virus from the body of the Government, and thereby not only remove the ailments but also checks the poison ot flow and spread in whole of the body of the nation.If there will not be difference of opinions and conflict of ideas, then there will be clash of arms. IN the absence and conflict of proper opposition, the Government will be without true self-determination and elasticity. It provides excellent debates on the proposal laws to remove their defects. It also makes the public aware of its responsibility. Excellent legislation is only possible when the law is discussed very well before it actually take place in the statue books. Without strong opposition, the ruling party can enact any kind of law of their own choice.
In the opinion of Lowell, “the constant presence of a recognised opposition is an obstacle to depotism”. Vigilant oppostion keeps the Governement alert and does not allow it to grow complacent. When the well-informed opposition leaders expose the wrongs committed by the Government and bring to light its acts and omissions, then they check the ruling party to be negligent, slack or arbitrary in the performance of their duties towards the welfare of the nation. The constant tug-of-war between the ruling party and the opposite party ensures a healthy and good government. Even a general citizen is expected to develop the power of vigilence and ability. True citizen should follow Benthan’s maxim, “While I will obey prompty, I will censure freely”. They should have ability to distinguish between right and wrong. In a democratic system of Government, a citizen in not merely to obey, but we should also ascertain whether it is warranted and rational or not.
In the form of opposition , the democracy provides outlets and safety valves for the anger, frustration and dissatisfaction of the society, which virtually keep checks on blood sheds, revolutions, lawlessness and dislocation of human life. Strong and effective opposition also makes possible intelligent and active participation through educational campaigns, media, press, pamphlets and public meetings impart political wisdom to the people and awaken the masses to understand thier rights, duties and responsibilities. Thus, the opposition keeps the public opinion and nation’s mind alive and active.
In the game of politics , atleast two teams are required to play and they are ‘Ruling party vs Opposite Party’, both of whom seek out their life and fragrance from the same soil, i.e. the people of the nation.
