Meira Kumar becomes first woman Speaker of LS

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New Delhi: History was scripted on Wednesday as senior Congress leader Meira Kumar was unanimously elected as Lok Sabha Speaker to become the first woman to hold the top Constitutional post.

The 64-year-old dalit leader was elected after a resolution moved by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and seconded by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee was approved by a voice vote amidst thumping of desks by the entire House.

Earlier, leaders cutting across the political spectrum, including Leader of Opposition LK Advani, Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), TR Baalu (DMK), Arjun Charan Sethi (BJD), Sharad Yadav (JD-U), Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP), Lalu Prasad (RJD), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Farooq Abdullah (NC) and E Ahamed (Muslim League) also tabled their motions proposing Kumar’s name for the post.

The assumption of office by Kumar, a former IFS officer and Union minister, was hailed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with Advani and leaders of other parties, who hoped that she would ensure smooth functioning of the House.

The PM hailed the election of the MP from Sasaram in Bihar as a historic moment and said her services as a distinguished diplomat, 25 years in Parliament and her role as a minister would stand her in good stead to execute her onerous job well.

Accepting the honour, Kumar vowed that she would maintain the dignity of the House and its members.

Recalling his association with Kumar’s father, late Jagjivan Ram, the PM said she was an ‘‘embodiment’’ of the same qualities of ‘‘wisdom, knowledge and experience’’.

Singh assured her his government’s fullest cooperation in discharge of her duties.