With no other candidates, Meira was elected unopposed amidst thumping of desks. She was escorted to the Speaker’s podium by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sonia and Advani.

And in her first action as Speaker, Meira expunged the remarks of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav as they engaged in a verbal duel.

Hailing her election as a historic moment, the Prime Minister referred to his association with Meira’s father, Jagjivan Ram, and said she possessed the wisdom, knowledge and experience which defined his personality.

“I am overwhelmed. I accept the honour bestowed upon me with humility,” said Meira in her acceptance speech, vowing to run the House in accordance with the Constitution, rules and traditions. “I assure the House that I will pay full attention to all sections of the House,” she added.

Emphasising the need to avoid disruptions, she said, “We should discuss and debate, and if need be, we should express our differences in a gentle manner without affecting the working of the House.”

Later, during her interaction with the media, Meira stressed that she would be neutral as Speaker, but side-stepped questions about quitting the Congress. Party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan shot down a suggestion to this effect, saying there was no precedent of the Speaker resigning from the party.

On the suggestion to enforce a no-work-no-pay formula for MPs, she said she would speak to the different parties and ensure that rules and procedures are followed.