Parliament adjourned for the day over Babri row

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day, following the Opposition's clamour over a report claiming that the Prime Minister's Office PMO had asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to explain why no action was taken against Leader of Opposition L K Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The Bharatiya Janata Party stalled the Lok Sabha proceedings seeking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation over the issue, forcing an adjournment in the morning itself.

As soon as the House reassembled at 1130 hours after the first adjournment, angry BJP members clashed with Left and Rashtriya Janata Dal members who were trying to raise other issues. The Opposition members raised slogans against United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and demanded the prime minister's resignation.

Similarly, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon before it was extended till 2 pm after vociferous BJP members demanded an explanation from the government over the news report.

Soon after the House assembled, Opposition Leader Jaswant Singh sought a clarification from the government over the

issue.

When Singh said BJP leader Arun Jaitley would also speak on the matter, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said he would not allow anyone else to seek clarifications and that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was willing to reply.

When unrelenting BJP members insisted that Jaitley also be allowed to speak, Shekhwat adjourned the house till noon.

In his address, Jaswant Singh said while Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrochhi was allowed 'to go free', the government had sought an explanation from the CBI as to why action was not taken against Advani.

"This is blatantly partisan conduct," he said, adding it involves the, "status and prestige of a senior colleague from the other House."

He sought an explanation from the prime minister on the matter.

Soon after, the minister of state for parliamentary affairs Suresh Pachauri told Shekhawat that the prime minister, who was seated in the House, was willing to respond to Jaswant Singh's queries.

BJP members, however, insisted that Jaitley should also be allowed to speak, for which Shekhawat refused permission.

Soon after the BJP members moved to the well of the House. Sensing their mood, Shekhawat adjourned the House.