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Mumbai: Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mumbai on Friday to stray incidents of protests from Shiv Sena workers.

At least two Shiv Sena MLAs along with several party activists were arrested by the police as they tried to shows black flags to Rahul Gandhi.

While MLA Ravindra Waikar was arrested as he tried to enter the Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle which was the first venue of Rahul’s itinerary, MLA Vinod Ghosalkar and a woman corporator Rajul Patel were detained along with many Shiv Sainiks in other parts of Mumbai.

The Congress General Secretary’s first stop at the Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle went off peacefully even as some Shiv Sena activists protested outside the building while he was addressing Congress workers.

Police had earlier detained two Shiv Sainiks who were protesting outside the hall. Groups of Shiv Sena activists had also assembled at other places in Vile Parle and Ghatkopar carrying black flags and posters denouncing Rahul's visit.

At least 50 Shiv Sainiks were arrested for trying to show black flags to Rahul while his convoy was passing through Ghatkopar.

However, a Shiv Sena leader said that his party was only carrying out peaceful protests.

“Whatever Rahul Gandhi said had hurt the sentiments of Marathi people. Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has ordered us to protest Rahul Gandhi's visit to Mumbai in a peaceful manner by showing black flags, but the police is trying to intimidate us. If they continue we will protest against the state government too,” said Shiv Sena Corporator and BMC Standing Committee Chairman Ravindra Waikar.

Mumbai Police had also arrested and removed a group of protestors from the Pawan Hans helipad just a few minutes before Rahul's arrival in the city.

The state government and police are on high alert to ensure Rahul's security after the Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt his tour.

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on Thursday asked Sainiks to show black flags to Rahul during his visit to Mumbai.

Shiv Sena and Rahul have been involved in a bitter war of words over the Maharashtrians vs North Indian issue.

While Shiv Sena has been championing the cause of Marathi manoos and saying that Mumbai belonged to Maharashtrians, Rahul says the Maximum City belongs to all Indians.

More on: Mumbai for all, Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena, North Indians, Maharashtra