Raj Thackeray targets Shiv Sena, Congress; supports Modi

"It was because of such 'naalayaks' (incompetents) that I left Shiv Sena," he said.

"There was an editorial in Saamana which questioned my credentials ('aukaat'). In this election, I will prove my 'aukaat', and all my MPs will support Modi," he said, as the massive crowd roared its approval.

Raj referred to media reports which labelled him "a stooge of Congress-Nationalist Congress Party" for talking to the BJP.

"I do everything openly, not in private," he said, and praised Gujarat Chief Minister Modi as a suitable candidate for the country's top job.

Raj said though the Shiv Sena was in alliance with the BJP for over 25 years, it was he who had gone to check out the progress and development of Gujarat.