Click to play videoNew Delhi: Sonia Gandhi proposed the name of five-time MP from Bihar, Meira Kumar as the Lok Sabha Speaker. Her choice was unanimously accepted, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh even patting Meira Kumar's back.
In what is being seen as political symbolism, the Congress has scored a masterstroke by proposing a woman to the top post, even adding to its earlier feat of making Pratibha Patil the first woman President of India.
Meira takes over from CPI(M)'s Somnath Chatterjee who used to conduct the House with his booming voice and authority.
And there are some who doubt whether a soft-spoken woman can conduct the House dominated by men. Meira admitted as much herself by saying, "People have commented on my voice and think itis not the booming voice which is required for running the House."
Some would criticise Meira Kumar's selection as Speaker as political symbolism stretched too far. But the fact also remains that the choice of a Dalit and an MP from Bihar is a combination which may be difficult to refute.
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