New Delhi: The Congress Party gave India its first woman President. And on Wednesday it also gave the country its first woman Lok Sabha Speaker with Meira Kumar being unanimously elected to that post.
The Prime Minister described it as a historic day and a tribute to Indian womanhood.
A former IFS officer, and daughter of the legendary Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, Meira's first day at work was marked by many compliments.
Said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: "The charm grace of which your are the embodiment I am sure will stand you in good stead in freeing frayed tempers of this House."
RJD president Lalu Prasad praised the sweetness of Meira Kumar's voice. E Ahmed, Minister of State for Railways, said: "This is the first time we have a mother of the House."
For the lady at the centre, it was time to get to business. She issued her first directive asking the House reporters to not record certain exchanges between JDU leader Sharad Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad.
The Congress may have played its Dalit card well by appointing Meira Kumar as the Speaker, but it will interesting to see just how she manages a House that is known for shouting matches and noisy walkouts. Especially as her soft cheerful image is in stark contrast to her predecessor Somnath Chatterjee.