New Delhi: Rejecting clarifications from the PMO over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks on plans for minorities, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani yesterday (Dec 11, 2006) 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 here.

The BJP leader quoted portions of 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 he (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 I demand that it be withdrawn," he said.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 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.