Nationalists keep hold of Mumbai

Hindu nationalists have retained power in India’s richest city, Mumbai, defeating the national government’s Congress party.

The hardline Shiv Sena party, headed by Bal Thackeray, 86, has led a governing coalition for 16 years in the city.

Uddhav Thackeray, son of the party president, said yesterday: “Thanks to all who supported us. Victory wasn’t easy.

“People who trust us, we ask them to keep their trust in us.”

Bal Thackeray has been criticised by Muslim groups for comments that compared them to a “cancer” and has been quoted expressing his admiration for the governing abilities of Adolf Hitler.