ROME, Feb 16: Italy’s Reforms Minister Roberto Calderoli said on Wednesday he had been asked to resign after he had a T-shirt made emblazoned with the anti-Islam cartoons.

Mr Calderoli, who is a member of the radical Northern League party, unbuttoned his shirt on state television to show he was wearing one of the T-shirts.

“(Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi) has even asked me to resign,” he said with a laugh, without indicating whether he intended to step down.

“I want rights to be recognised and my T-shirt represents a battle for freedom,” said the outspoken minister.

There was no immediate comment from Mr Berlusconi’s office. Under the Italian constitution, a prime minister cannot sack any of his ministers but can only ask them to resign.

Mr Calderoli’s attacks on Muslims’ sensibilities have embarrassed Mr Berlusconi, who faces an election in April.—Reuters