Members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Saturday celebrated the 40th birthday of their leader Raj Thackeray by organising blood donation camps and other social activities.

However, the MNS refrained from holding a Hatt Puja programme, a take-off on the Chhat Puja performed by north Indians, which has become a bone of contention between MNS and migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav had stated that he would come to Mumbai to hold Chhat Puja celebrations later this year.

Over 20,000 supporters visited the MNS chief's home at Dadar and greeted their leader, MNS spokesperson Shirish Parkar said.

When queried about reports claiming that the MNS would soon target encroachment of footpaths and unauthorised hutments, he said Raj would submit letters to civic, rationing and transport authorities for clamping down on encroachments and illegal migrants.

Footpaths are for taxpayers and the MNS is going to do something about it, an MNS worker said.