Sena chief Bal Thackeray had called on his party activists to oppose Gandhi’s visit, angered by the Congress leader’s remark that Mumbai belonged to all Indians. To show his contempt for Sena activists, Gandhi even traveled by Mumbai’s local train to a function.

Gandhi arrived in Mumbai at 11 in the morning. He dropped the idea of flying by helicopter to the Santa Cruz airport from the Sahar international airport and instead drove. On the way, his motorcade stopped at some places where he shook hands with people lined along the route and accepted garlands. In Andheri, he boarded a crowded local train to Dadar. In Dadar he withdrew money from an ATM. He then stood in line at the Dadar railway station, bought a ticket and boarded a suburban train to Ghatkopar to attend a function arranged by the Dalit (untouchable) community.

The police arrested 200 Sena workers at Ghatkopar. They burned an effigy of Gandhi and tried to wave black flags.

Asked about his visit, Gandhi said: " We should not forget that we are one. Mumbai belongs to all. I liked Mumbai and my mission has been successful."