Countering criticism, the Chief Minister was categorical in expounding the State policy with regard to the deportations. It will not deport any of the Indian nationals ``irrespective of their caste and religion or from whichever part of the country they come,'' however, it will take all possible steps to deport illegally staying immigrants as it is the considered view that they are responsible for disturbing peace in the metropolis. Joshi went on to condemn the West BengalGovernment headed by Jyoti Basu for its stand on the steps taken by the Sena-BJP government.``In the event the West Bengal continues its activities in favour of the Bangladeshi nationals, we will not hesitate to give a call for Maharashtra bandh. In that event, all the Opposition parties should join us as it is a question of `asmita' (pride) of Maharashtra. Under no circumstances, his government will support anti-Maharashtra people,'' Joshi emphatically asserted. Later, speaking to reporters the Chief Minister said his government would have no option but to wage a `struggle' on the issue of deportation.

The no-confidence motion was on the cards, but it came over a contentious issue which marred proceedings in the legislative Houses both here and in New Delhi.

Soon after the Speaker allegedly disallowed the opposition members led by Madhukar Pichad and Narsaiyya Adam to make their submissions on the controversy, they submitted a one-line no confidence motion against him. The notice has been signedby 40 legislators including those belonging to Janata Dal, Peasants and Workers Party and Samajwadi Party.

``Nalawade allowed not only Chief Minister Manohar Joshi and Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde, but also BJP member Kirit Somaiyya on the deportation row (to speak), (but) the Speaker did not create a situation where by either he or Adam could make a statement,'' Pichad told media persons. Nalawade, however, denied the charge, saying both the leader of Opposition and Adam failed to take the opportunity given by him.

``I have no idea of the no-confidence motion moved against me,'' Nalawade added.

The Opposition move however saw a more sober Chief Minister responding to the questions of press persons. He hoped that the Opposition members will not press for the no-confidence motion. ``I feel that Nalawade is giving them more opportunities compared to the ruling party. Under such circumstances, I do not think that they will press for it. I will personally request them to withdraw the no-confidencenotice,'' Joshi added.

Joshi also clarified that his remarks regarding the State Government not giving protection to ``traitors'' who opposed any bandh protesting the West Bengal Government's stand on the issue, "were made in an emotional outburst.''

Joshi charged the West Bengal Government with failing to provide full protection to Maharashtra police personnel escorting Bangladeshis to the border. ``I have all respect for West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, but I have written a letter to him pointing out the objectionable remarks made by his Home Minister", Joshi said.

Earlier, the House witnessed intense sloganeering and uproarious scenes when Samajwadi Party member Sohal Lokhandwala, Bashir Patel and Narsaiyya Adam virtually ran to the podium to press for a discussion on the deportations. Speaker Nalawade was annoyed when Lokhandwala took the mace from his table, and demanded an unconditional apology.

Taking a serious note of the Speaker's warning, Treasury bench members led by Gurunath Desairesorted to slogans against the Jyoti Basu Government and also warned that they will not allow to transact further business until Lokhandwala tenders apology as desired by the speaker.

Supporting the demand, Joshi also informed the House that the ruling members will not allow further business till the SP member submits an apology as per the directives of the Speaker. However, talking to newsmen after the Assembly was adjourned, Lokhandwala denied that he had ever promised the Speaker during the adjournment period that he would tender an apology.

``There is no question of my apologising. What I did was in a democratic tradition and the same thing has been done on earlier occasion by other members to register their anguish over an issue'', he said.

The Speaker, meanwhile, was in the process of hurriedly rushing through the agenda of the House amid slogan shouting by both Treasury and Opposition benches. This led to the opposition members walking out of the House to protest the Speaker's decision ofrushing through the business.