matoshree – The Metrognome

Thackeray stable, city going back to normal

Shiv Sena chief is said to be off life support; but security is beefed up as party supporters throng Matoshree.

by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The city was on edge all day on Thursday, as Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s health deteriorated the previous evening and he was put on life support. As thousands of Sena supporters, curious citizens and the media camped outside Matoshree, the Thackerays’ residence at Kala Nagar, Bandra (East) since news of his ill health spread on Wednesday, it began to look like the city would face a huge security issue as the crowds continued to swell.

However, the Mumbai police proved equal to the task, as did personnel from the SRPF – a strong security cordon outside Matoshree was set up quickly and efficiently since Wednesday night, with more levels of security added yesterday. As of now, all leaves for the police have been cancelled till further notice. The area outside Matoshree is still cordoned off with barricades.

‘He is better now’

Reports of Thackeray having difficulty breathing began to do the rounds on Wednesday evening, and his health began slipping, after which he was hooked on to a life support system. Several Bollywood and political personalities visited Matoshree on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, party MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, “Balasaheb is better today and he has been taken off life support. He is responding to treatment and his condition is stable now.” Party executive president Uddhav Thackeray exhorted Shiv Sainiks to keep calm and not believe rumours, warning them that no untoward incident should happen in the city in the wake of the news.

Transport off roads

An estimated 90 per cent of autos and taxis in the city stayed off the roads all day yesterday. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena strongholds such as Dadar and Parel wore a deserted look, with shops remaining closed and people off the roads. However, the city limped back to normalcy by evening, especially after the sombre look at Dadar’s Sena Bhavan was lifted with the building’s Diwali lighting being switched on again after news of Thackeray’s improving health spread.

(Picture courtesy www.hindubusinessline.com)

Bal Thackeray is critical

Amid swirling rumours, thousands of Shiv Sainiks and general public flock to Matoshree; all cops’ holidays cancelled till further notice.

by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray (86), who has been battling a pancreatic ailment for a long while now, has been in a critical condition since late evening yesterday. His condition is said to have worsened over the night.

Thackeray’s son and party executive president Uddhav appealed to the assembled party workers to keep calm and not spread or listen to rumours. “I am confident that he will pull out of this, his willpower remains as strong as ever,” Uddhav said in a 2.15 am personal appeal made from outside Matoshree. “I appeal to you with folded hands to keep calm. I have not yet lost hope and neither should you. I don’t want to hear any news of any of you misbehaving (in the light of his father’s condition),” he added. Balasaheb’s estranged nephew and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray also exhorted party workers to await news of further developments and to keep calm.

Rumours swirled all over the city and country as crowds waited to hear about the exact status of Thackeray’s health. Media personnel and police were seen in large numbers outside Matoshree; however Shiv Sainiks asked the waiting cameramen to switch off their cameras. At about midnight, the cordon around Matoshree was further increased by the cops.

Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee cancelled his two-day visit to Maharashtra.

(Picture courtesy www.deccanchronicle.com)