Mumbai: Mumbai politician Raj Thackeray reached South Mumbai in his blue colour SUV to meet thousands of supporters for a march from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan. Mr Thackeray, however, left the venue in his car; he is leading the marchand will address the supporters at Azad Maidan.

The supporters plan to walk the five km distance in defiance of a police order.

Yesterday, Mr Thackeray was told that while he could hold a protest meeting at Azad Maidan, a march to the venue was not permissible. 15,000 policemen are on duty to maintain law and order, but huge traffic jams have begun in this part of the city.

At today’s rally, Mr Thackeray will demand the resignation of state Home Minister RR Patil and Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik for a riot at Azad Maidan earlier this month. Thousands had gathered on August 11 to protest against the ethnic violence in Assam in which nearly 80 people have died. The meeting spiralled into a riot in which two people died and more than 40 were injured. A mob armed with swords and iron rods attacked policemen and women; several vehicles were set on fire.

Though MNS leaders have claimed that over one lakh people will participate in the procession, police expect around 40,000-50,000 people to march from Girgaum Chowpatty to the Marine Drive flyover and proceed to Azad Maidan via the Metro Cinema junction.