A special session of the Maharashtra Assembly convened on Saturday where the 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government led by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray is set to prove its majority in the 288-member House.

There was an uproar in the Maharashtra assembly after the BJP alleged that the special session was not convened as per rules.

BJP's Devendra Fadnavis said, "This assembly session is not per rules. This session started without Vande Mataram, which is a violation of the rules."

However, pro tem speaker Dilip Patil responding to Fadnavis' statement said, "The Governor has given the permission for this session. This session is as per rules, So your point stands rejected."

Ahead of the floor test, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, parties constituting the Maha Vikas Aghadi issued whip to their MLAs directing them to remain present in the Assembly.

While Shiv Sena, the second-largest party in Maharashtra, has 56 MLAs, allies Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress have 54 and 44 legislators in the state Assembly.

The alliance combine has 154 MLAs, 10 more than the majority mark, in the 288-member Assembly. It also enjoys the support of several MLAs from smaller parties and Independents.

Meanwhile, ahead of the floor test, key leaders including BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP leaders Supriya Sule and Chhagan Bhujbal reached the Assembly.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Assembly premises ahead of the floor test which is scheduled for 2 pm.