Mayawati has hit back at her critics

They are demanding that the governor of Uttar Pradesh reconvene the assembly to discuss and vote on a motion of no-confidence.

The motion was moved in the legislative assembly by the main opposition Samajvadi party on Wednesday.

However, the assembly session has been adjourned for an indefinite period, even it was supposed to go on for another two days.

The move follows controversy surrounding Mayawati, the chief minister of the northern state and allegations that she is at the centre of a row following the release of a controversial video tape.

The protest began after the presiding officer of the assembly, Suresh Chandra Srivastava, declared that the no-confidence motion had been defeated without any discussion or voting.

Controversial

The opposition insisted at least 10 hours should be allotted to discuss the motion. But the government rejected this demand.

We are asking for the dismissal of Mayawati's government Ramji Lal Suman MP, Samajwadi Party

Analysts say opposition political parties are backing the motion, which follows the release of a controversial video tape.

In the tape, the chief minister was seen telling her party legislators and MPs to contribute to the party a percentage of funds granted to them to develop their constituencies.

But Ms Mayavati has denied the charge and questioned the authenticity of the tape, which was released by the opposition Samajwadi Party on Monday.

Disturbances in the assembly led opposition member scuffling with security guards and the microphone of the presiding officer being broken.

Ms Mayavati said the opposition could not muster enough support in favour of the no-confidence motion and this was a victory for her government.

But the leader of the opposition, Azam Khan, said that all proceedings were unconstitutional and illegal.

Mayawati also ordered an inquiry into corruption charges against Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, during his term as chief minister.

Parliament row

Earlier, in Delhi, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and his deputy, LK Advani, turned down a demand by opposition MPs to debate the issue.

Mr Advani said that he had exchanged letters with Ms Mayawati on the issue and the matter should be left to the state assembly.

"This is not a matter that should be debated in parliament," Mr Advani said.

But opposition MPs say they are not satisfied with the move.

"We want the facts be checked thoroughly and Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate the case, so that the truth comes into light," Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman said.

"We are asking for the dismissal of Mayawati's government."

Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and sends the largest number of MPs to the federal parliament.

Politically it is the country's most influential state and is home to most Indian prime ministers since independence.

Mayawati leads a coalition government in alliance with the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.