New Delhi, Sept 19: Union Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi resigned on Friday from the Cabinet but Prime Minister asked him to reconsider his decision that was taken in "haste". Joshi sent his resignation to the Prime Minister`s Office shortly after a special court in Rae Bareli announced its decision to frame charges against him in the Babri masjid demolition case, sources close to the minister said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is on a foreign tour, asked Joshi to reconsider his decision to quit the government saying he has done it in "haste".

"He has hastily put in his papers. He should have waited till the party (BJP) reacted over the court verdict," Vajpayee told reporters here before emplaning for New York.

In Delhi, Joshi also spoke to Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani and party president M Venkaiah Naidu before sending his resignation, the sources said, adding the party told him there was no need for resignation.
Joshi had on Thursday said he would resign if charges were framed against him. Bureau Report