Scores of Shiv Sainiks have arrived in Mumbai from different parts of the state, largely from neighbouring Thane, Raigad, Pune, Aurangabad and Konkan region, which are the bastions of the saffron party, founded on June 19, 1966.

Lakhs of people were waiting since early morning to pay last respects to the leader, some even standing on the street poles. According to reports, hordes of people are arriving in the metropolis to attend the cremation of the Sena chief, to be held in the evening at 6 pm at the Shivaji Park, for which the Sena has taken special permission.

Bal Thackeray's flower-bedecked cortege on the way to Shivaji Park. Pic: Rajesh Karkera.