Amid meaningless brouhaha over mundane proceedings, a milestone that the Maharashtra Legislature reached in its 59-year journey went unnoticed last week. For the first time since 1962 — two years after Maharashtra was re-organised on linguistic basis and had freedom-fighter Jethi Sipahimalani as the first woman deputy chairperson of the upper house - another woman, Dr Neelam Gorhe has been given the prestigious position.

Dr Gorhe's appointment should be hailed because it hasn't come as easy for a firebrand. It precedes a 40-year-old career as a women's right activist-turned-politician. Her activism partners wondered why a liberal socialist like her should join a right-wing party like the Shiv Sena after quitting the republicans two decades ago. The 64-year-old has struggled to find a firm standing in a male-dominated political landscape in general and the Sena in particular. Her elevation to the deputy leader of the Sena wasn't appreciated within the party, but the party's top leadership was willing to recognise her leadership, though Gorhe's reward has come late.