The government on Monday ruled out any apology by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his remarks concerning the minorities.
"The prime minister will never, never make any apology within or outside Parliament," Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters.
Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party for stalling the proceedings in both Houses of Parliament over Dr Singh's remarks made at the National Development Council meeting, Dasmunsi said BJP once again tried to create a 'divisive approach' for its 'hidden agenda' of electoral consumption.
However, rejecting clarifications from the PMO over Dr Singh's remarks on plans for minorities, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani on Monday sought their withdrawal, saying they violated the spirit of the Consitution and reeked of communalism.
"The prime minister's statement cannot be explained away. It is a written address in black and white," he said in a statement.
The BJP leader quoted portions of Dr Singh's speech in which he had remarked on Saturday that plans for minorities, particularly the Muslim community, must have the 'first claim' on resources.
"What is this, if not rank communalism," Advani asked. "The statement the prime minister) made last Saturday is in violation of the spirit of the Constitution. It has shocked millions in the country. I demand that it be withdrawn."
He said he expected the prime minister to say those living below poverty line, particularly the dalits, tribals and the backward, have the first claim on the country's resources.
