No war within govt, PC would not resign

Khurshid also found nothing unusual in Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York against the backdrop of the controversy.

"I am authorised to say this. There is no war within. We are a lively group of people. Sometimes we may disagree. But ultimately when Prime Minister and the Cabinet takes a decision, then we go by that," Khurshid told reporters on the sidelines of Apeejay India Volunteer Awards function here.

On a question on Chidambaram, he said it was important that they stand by the Home Minister.

"No (there is no need for his resignation). He is a pillar of strength for us," he said responding to queries on the demand for Chidambaram`s resignation by the Opposition.

Emphasising that there were "no skirmishes" in the government, he said the UPA is running a "very lively" government.

On the controversial note by Finance Ministry which maintained that Chidambaram as Finance Minister could have insisted on auctioning of spectrum, he said it was prepared by a "low level officer" and Mukherjee will be able to explain the matter when he will return from the United States.

BJP, meanwhile, demanded that the Prime Minister sack Chidambaram if he doesn`t quit on his own and sought a CBI inquiry into the matter.

"First of all Chidambaram should resign and if he does not quit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should drop him.

"Then CBI should look into the entire matter," senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu said.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Khurshid said civil society has a major role in helping the country prosper.

"There should be some form of regulation for the voluntary sector which will be good for voluntary organisations," he said.

Khurshid said in the past few months, the country had witnessed a number of confrontations and battles "of our own making" like those on land acquisition and tribal rights besides others.

He said, "We are beginning to question. This is good. But one who raises questions also should help in finding answers to the problems.