Pune/Patna, Oct 23: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists celebrated the bail granted to their leader Raj Thackeray, here last evening.

It was a festive mood at Thackeray's residence as his party activists and kin burst crackers and exchanged sweets after he reached home.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed both the ruling parties – the Congress and the NCP - in Maharashtra for the violence.

"What all has happened in Mumbai is indiscipline. MNS has encouraged violence and I condemn that. I believe that what all is happening in Mumbai is all part of conspiracy of the Congress and NCP," said BJP chief Rajnath Singh in Pune.

Senior Janata Dal-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar demanded strict actions on the perpetrators of violence. “People in Maharashtra should be provided protection. We appeal that peace should prevail in Bihar and demand that stern action on the perpetrators of violence in Maharashtra,” said Kumar in Patna.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had demanded MNS be banned, echoing calls by other legislators in parliament.

Mayawati warned of a backlash against Maharashtrians in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

Raj Thackeray was granted bail till October 24 after a Kalyan court sent him to 14-day judicial custody till November 5 in connection with a case of attack against North Indians.

The Mumbai Police arrested Raj from a guest house in Ratnagiri after a case was registered against him following Sunday''s attack by MNS workers on North Indian candidates appearing in a rail exam in suburb Kherwadi.

Raj has been charged under Sections 153, 353, 336, 425 and 427 of IPC, police sources said. His arrest has triggered violence across Maharashtra, with the police resorting to lathi-charge in several parts to dispel the protesters. (ANI)