Within an hour of taking over as Speaker, Meira Kumar issued her first directive in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, asking the House reporters to expunge certain exchanges between Janata Dal-United chief Sharad Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad. When Prasad was speaking to congratulate Kumar, he made certain statements which were objected to by Yadav.

The verbal exchange between them went on for a few minutes when the Speaker asked the Lok Sabha reporters not to record it. Earlier, while congratulating Kumar, the RJD chief recalled the role of her predecessor Somnath Chatterjee, saying he had shown how a Speaker should be above parties. Prasad said when the issue of nuclear deal came, Chatterjee took a stand "despite the Left parties showing red eyes and expressing anger. He did not budge. Similar situation may arise before you and you will have to take decisions."

In a tongue-in-cheek remark, the RJD leader started his speech pointing out that all leaders have promised the new Speaker that they would cooperate in smooth running of the House. "But I have my doubts whether these promises will be kept," Prasad said, evoking laughter in the House.