Members of MNS and the Shiv Sena-BJP combine created noisy scenes in the Maharashtra Assembly today, demanding the arrest of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi over his "behaviour" on the opening day of the session and his subsequent remarks against Sena chief Bal Thackeray.

Soon after the House commenced proceedings, MNS members shouted slogans demanding Azmi's arrest.

They alleged that Azmi had made threatening gestures while he was taking oath on Monday.

Sena-BJP members also joined in, demanding Azmi's arrest for his "derogatory" comments against Bal Thackeray.

The House was adjourned for 10 minutes amid noisy scenes. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said the government would look into any provocative statements made within the assembly premises.

Meanwhile, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, whose members assaulted Azmi in the Assembly, have said they will apologise to the House for their action, but not to the MLA.

"We will never apologise to Abu Azmi, keeping in mind the wellness of the Marathi people, as per Raj Thackeray's recommendation. We will try to maintain peace in the Assembly," said MNS leader Ram Kadam.

The four attackers who were suspended from the House for four years, are expected to apologise today - the last day of the Assembly - to push for a review of the ban. It is then up to the Speaker's discretion. The question, however, is, will they get away with an apology?

Their victim, meanwhile, has reportedly received a death threat. Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh said that he received a call from an unidentified number that there was a threat to Abu Azmi's life following the remarks he made against Bal Thackeray.

According to Singh, the caller said that after his remarks against Thackeray, Azmi should watch his step... if something happens to Azmi, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will be responsible.

"Two hours back I got a call from an unidentified number. The caller said there is a threat to Abu Azmi's life because of the words he used against Bal Thackeray. The caller also said Azmi will be attacked when he leaves for the Assembly session in the morning," Singh said.

Amar Singh said Azmi would reach the Assembly with 5000 workers as shield.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is gearing up for the elections to the post of Speaker today.

NCP leader and former Finance Minister Dilip Walse-Patil is the nominee of the ruling Congress-NCP combine while BJP Legislator Girish Bapat is the candidate of the Sena-BJP.

While Congress has 82 MLAs and NCP 62 in the 288-member House, Shiv Sena has 44 and BJP 46 MLAs.

(With PTI inputs)