Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 only

Only statement 2 is correct. The position of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was formally recognized for the first time in 1969. The other two statements contain factual errors regarding the largest opposition party in the first Lok Sabha and the minimum strength required for recognition as Leader of the Opposition.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: In the first Lok Sabha (1952), the single largest opposition party was the Communist Party of India (CPI) with 16 seats, not the Swatantra Party (which was formed only in 1959).

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was formally recognized for the first time in 1969 when the post was accorded statutory recognition under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977 (with retrospective effect from 1969).

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The minimum requirement for recognition as Leader of the Opposition is not 75 members but 10% of the total strength of the House, which amounts to 55 members (10% of 545) in the current Lok Sabha.

📝 Short Notes: Leader of the Opposition

• Statutory Recognition: The post of Leader of the Opposition was given statutory recognition through the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
• First Recognition (Lok Sabha): Ram Subhag Singh of Congress (O) was the first formally recognized Leader of the Opposition in 1969.
• Minimum Strength Requirement: A party must have at least 10% of the total membership of the House (currently 55 members in Lok Sabha) for its leader to be recognized as Leader of the Opposition.
• Constitutional Status: Though not mentioned in the Constitution, the Leader of the Opposition holds a crucial position and is consulted in appointments like CEC, CVC, Lokpal, etc.
• Salary and Allowances: The Leader of the Opposition receives a salary and allowances equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister.