Though the MNS has got permission for a public meeting atAzad Maidan, the police did not give a go ahead to the party's march fromGirgaum Chowpatty apprehending breach of peace.
The police, however, did not make any attempt to detaineither Thackeray or his supporters when they assembled in thousands at theChowpatty for the march.
MNS supporters carrying the party's blue, saffron and greenflags with its election symbol train engine embossed in the middle, gathered atGirgaum Chowpatty before Thackeray joined them in a 'symbolic' march after abrief stopover at Siddhivinayak temple.
Thackeray stepped out of his Toyota Land Cruiser briefly tospeak to his supporters at the Chowpatty before quickly making his way out ofthe crowd in his vehicle.
Thousands of policemen have been deployed and trafficregulated for the MNS protest which has been peaceful so far.
His supporters beating drums and carrying flags scurriedafter the leader, who is said to be seeking to capture the Hindutva spacehitherto occupied by the Shiv Sena.
Thackeray has called the rally to protest the violence on August11 and alleged failure of the state administration and Mumbai police to controlit. He has demanded ouster of state's Home Minister R R Patil and Mumbai PoliceCommissioner Arup Patnaik.
Two demonstrators were killed and 52 others, including 44policemen and media persons, injured when a protest against alleged persecutionof Muslims in Assam had turned violent.
