Giant Killer

But ask the people of the Chikkodi constituency in Karnataka, and you will be told fondly of the giant-killer. Forty seven-year-old Savanoor's claim to fame is her thumping victory over B Shankaranand, a prominent Congress leader and former union minister for health. Chikkodi had been Shankaranand's pocketborough for quite some time, having been elected from the constituency several times.

Savanoor was a novice in politics compared to the heavyweight, but her being a social worker of long standing, as well as the general mood against the Congress and Shankaranand himself saw her through.

All four women ministers are aware of Gujral's intention: to give a pro-women gloss to the ministry when there is acrimony on account of the delay in passing the women's reservation bill. Savanoor, however, is clear that her becoming a minister will in no way affect her eagerness to get the bill passed.