A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for smaller families to combat population explosion, BJP ally Shiv Sena has welcomed his remarks saying that late Bal Thackeray always advocated it.<br />'' <br />'' In his Independence Day address on Thursday, Narendra Modi voiced concern over population explosion stating that it leads to many difficulties. He also said that keeping one's families small is an act of patriotism.<br />'' <br />'' Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Sena MP and party spokesman Sanjay Raut said we are happy that the Modi government is taking forward the policies of the Shiv Sena. Late Bal Thackeray always advocated the need for population control.<br />'' <br />'' <br />