Shiv Sena has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement for smaller families to combat population explosion. <br />'' <br />'' Talking to reporters in Mumbai today, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, Bal Thackeray always advocated the need for population control. Mr Raut said, Modi government is taking forward the policies of the Shiv Sena which is in the national interest.<br />'' <br />''In his Independence Day address, Mr Modi voiced concern overpopulation explosion, stating that it leads to many difficulties. Prime Minister also said that keeping one's families small is an act of patriotism.