Thackeray’s health improves

Mumbai: The ailing Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray remained critical but stable by Thursday evening even as his emotional supporters gathered in thousands outside Matoshree, his home in suburban Bandra where there was massive police deployment.

His health had turned critical on Wednesday night and his son and Sena executive president Uddhav had to emerge out of their home at 2 am to allay fears of his father’s health as the Sainiks, waiting to hear news of their leader’s health, had turned violent and vandalized a television crew’s van and smashed their camera. Uddhav appealed to Sainiks to pray and stay calm and told them, “I am positive we will overcome the situation. I have not lost hope. You, too, must not lose hope. All efforts are on.” He also said, “It is a request that you maintain peace and calm. I do not want complaints of violence to reach me. Do not tarnish the image of Shiv Sena.”

Sena supporters heaved a sigh of relief when, at around 4 pm, senior Sena leader Subhash Desai told waiting reporters that Thackeray was “responding well to treatment. Doctors are constantly monitoring him. Indeed, the love and prayers of his Sainiks, and millions of Indian citizens and all the well-wishers who have been visiting him since morning have been answered. He will recover soon.”

Party spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut told TV channels earlier in the day that “we were worried yesterday night but Balasaheb is stable and is out of life support system as of now.” A team of doctors from Lilavati Hospital, where he was admitted in July, has been monitoring his condition since Wednesday night

The 86-year-old Sena chief had been suffering multiple age-related ailments and combating breathing problems. He did not attend the traditional Dussehra rally of the Sena last month and instead, a video of his short speech was shown.

News of the critical nature of Thackeray’s health prompted a slowdown in Mumbai as roads remained deserted, most outlets shut shop on hearing the news and buses and trains plied with few passengers. Though it was a holiday for many due to Bhai Dooj, residents preferred to stay home rather than step out and face any trouble that could erupt if things worsened.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan continuously monitored the law and order situation in the state in view of Thackeray’s deteriorating health. On Wednesday night, Chavan held a high-level meeting with the chief secretary and top police officers and was in constant touch with Thackeray family members. Chavan did not take up any other engagements. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who was to visit Mumbai and Shirdi town for the presentation of Jamnalal Bajaj Awards and inauguration of Sai Ashram respectively, cancelled his visit.

The government deployed additional forces at Matoshree where not only Sainiks had assembled in large numbers but a steady stream of top politicians, film fraternity members and others came to inquire on Thackeray. With only one approach into the residential area where Thackeray’s house is located, police threw a multi-layered security at the entrance. In fact, both Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan were injured with cuts in the melee when they visited Matoshree on Wednesday. They were both treated by doctors at Matoshree.

A lot of top leaders from various political parties including Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Nitin Gadkari, visited the ailing Sena chief. Thackeray’s nephew Raj, who broke away from the Sena to form his own party, stayed through the night and visited again. Film actor Salman Khan, his brother Arbaaz and his father Salim, Sanjay Dutt as well as film director Madhur Bhandarkar visited him.