Raj Thackeray supports Narendra Modi as prime minister

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray said on Monday that he would support chief minister Narendra Modi's bid to become the country's prime minister.

Thackeray paid a visit to Modi on the third and final day of his fast and lauded his Sadbhavna Mission. However, he left after barely spending a few minutes on the dais.

Talking to reporters later, Thackeray said he would be the happiest person if Modi became the prime minister. "Corruption levels are on the rise in the country. Scams worth thousands of crores are taking place. The country needs a leader like Modi and good governance," he said.

He pointed out that the US Congress had also recognised Gujarat's achievements under Narendra Modi. The MNS leader recently spent more than a week in Gujarat on the invitation of the chief minister.

Thackeray also said that upvaas (fast) is in fashion after the success of Anna Hazare's fast. "But, the fast of Narendra Modi is entirely different from other fasts, as he has not associated any demands with his fast," he said.

The estranged nephew of Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray also said that he had established a very good relation with Modi, saying there are certain relations which are above politics.

Asked to comment about Sadbhavna, the purported aim of the three-day fast, Thackeray, who is known for making vitriolic statements against north Indians, said, "Sadbhavna is there in everyone, but it also depends on the nature of one's counterpart."