Raj Thackeray

The meeting between Pawar and the MNS chief, who have in the past engaged in verbal sparring, took place in Dadar in central Mumbai.

The MNS chief was speaking to onion farmers at Kalwan in Nashik district of Maharashtra, a major onion-producing hub. "If ministers do not listen to you or if they do not fulfil your demands, throw onions at them," he said.

The MNS chief said the poll results were a precursor to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due next year.

Thackeray, known for his strident, son-of-the-soil rhetoric, addressed a rally organised by the Uttar Bharatiya Manch, an organisation of North Indians living in Mumbai.

A spokesperson of the Anil Ambani group, when contacted, said the group has no project in Yavatmal district.

Thackeray described Singh, who had served as the prime minister for two consecutive terms between 2004 and 2014, as a leader who "pioneered the country to a path of economic reforms and liberalisation".

Raj Thackeray also attacked the Shiv Sena which didn't support the bandh ignoring the Congress' request.

Claiming "victory" for the "owner-operators" of Uber cabs in Mumbai and other places, the MNS, in a statement here this evening, said the Uber management, during their talks with the police and the wing's representatives earlier in the day, has given a written commitment on meeting the various demands.

"This government is incapable of doing anything," the MNS chief said, addressing thousands of farmers who rested at Somaiya Ground in Sion area after reaching the city this evening.

Thackeray was speaking at the 'Aaj Tak Manthan' event here organised by Aaj Tak television channel on the theme 'Kahan Gaya Vipaksh?'

While Raj Thackeray is yet to arrive for the rally, hoardings and banners against the much-hyped Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project have been put up at various places.

The MNS leader, who has in the past stoked controversies with his anti-migrant rhetoric, told reporters at his residence Krishna Kunj in Dadar, "There has been a collapse of infrastructure facilities due to the migrant influx from other regions."

Within a week of launching his Facebook page, Thackeray has garnered 6.45 lakh followers. He decided to join the social media platform in view of 'misleading information' being spread among the people.

"Dawood is now physically handicapped. Hence, he is keen on returning to India and he has been negotiating with the Union government as well. The government will bring him back just before the general elections and try to seek credit for it...I am not joking but it is the truth that you will realise later," he said.

The results of the urban civic body elections in Maharashtra including the all important cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proves that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to be the most buoyant political force, but the Shiv Sena too is a force to reckon with, at least in Mumbai.

MNS, which is headed by Raj Thackeray, warned Pakistani actors and artists of dire consequences if they don‘t return to Pakistan.

Raj was speaking to newsmen last evening here where he came to thank and appreciate the 'Govindas' who had gone ahead with the Dahi Handi celebrations as usual despite the SC curb.

The estimated proposal of Mumbai has raised eyebrows as the Shiv Sena, which is in power in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has already red-flagged the Centre's move accusing it of trying to get back-door access to controlling the city. It is also likely to become an issue during the BMC elections due to be held in early 2017.

The MIM emerged as a surprise package as it managed to open its account in the local body elections by winning three seats. The MNS is leading on six seats while Congress and NCP are at the bottom with leads on three and two seats each.

Sena leaders Anil and Subhash Desai returned to Mumbai on Tuesday night after meeting the BJP central leadership.