Thursday, February 23 2006 16:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: BJP today(Feb 23,2006) demanded an apology from the Government for 'interfering' in the functioning of CBI in the Babri Masjid demolition case and an assurance that the investigating agency will not be misused to settle political scores.

"BJP members will continue with their protest till the Government clarifies the matter," party spokesman V K Malhotra told reporters after both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after repeated adjournments since morning on the issue.

He, however, said the main Opposition party would allow the Government to table the Railway Budget and General Budget for 2006-07.

Noisy scenes were witnessed over a media report claiming that the PMO had asked CBI to explain why no action was taken against the Leader of the Opposition L K Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Malhotra said there was no need for Singh to have rushed through his reply to the debate on the President's Address without Advani being given an opportunity to make his submission.

Asked why Advani was not present in the Lok Sabha today, he said since the matter pertained to him, the party thought it would be inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to defend himself.