New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the government explain in parliament how and why P.J. Thomas was appointed as the chief vigilance commissioner (CVC) after the Supreme Court Thursday struck down his appointment.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley raised the issue in the upper house saying that the apex court has passed "serious strictures against the government".

Outside he said that the prime minister should answer to the nation whether he was misled (by his officials) or chose to mislead by ignoring the charges against Thomas.

Thomas quit as the country's anti-corruption watchdog after the court's rap.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ashwani Kumar said he would convey the opposition's sentiments to the government.

The house was earlier adjourned twice during question hour on the issue, with the opposition MPs raising slogans against the government.