Khurshid has already cleared his stand on Muslim reservation row, claims Anand Sharma

New Delhi, Feb 12 (ANI): With the Election Commission writing to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil against Salman Khurshid's minority-quota remarks, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Sunday said the Law Minister has explained his position in the past, and added that the Congress Party has always respected the constitutional mandate.

Sharma, however, said it would not be appropriate for him to comment, as the matter is now with the President of the country.

"The minister in the past has explained his position and the matter is with the President and it will not be appropriate for me to make any comment except to say that we as a government and a political party have always respected the constitutional mandate of the Election Commission. We have always adhered to the election code and the body code," he said.

The Election Commission last night sought the "immediate and decisive" intervention of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil after it charged n Khurshid with "improper and unlawful" defiance of its orders under which he was censured for promising sub-quota for minorities.

President Patil has sent Election Commission's complaint against Salman Khurshid to Prime Minister's Office for appropriate action. (ANI)