Bal Thackeray still critical, Sena says he’s ‘stable’

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's health remained critical even as he was taken off the life support system on Thursday after he reportedly responded to medical treatment.

"The life support system was required last night but not today... He is stable and responding to treatment," said Sena MP Sanjay Raut. No health bulletin was issued by the family or doctors.

Senior Sena leaders kept a vigil at Thackeray's residence, Matoshree, through Wednesday night. As party workers gathered outside in large numbers, there was heavy deployment of security forces in the area.

While actor Amitabh Bachchan dropped in at Matoshree last night, among those who visited the family today were BJP president Nitin Gadkari, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Governor K Sankarnarayanan, industrialist Rahul Bajaj, Videocon chief Venugopal Dhoot, actors Salman Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor.

Thackeray's nephew Raj Thackeray, along with top MNS leaders Nitin Sardesai and Bala Nandgaonkar, made frequent trips to Matoshree through the day after spending the night at the residence.

More areas were cordoned off on Thursday with the help of the Rapid Action Force and platoons of the State Reserve Police Force. Loudspeakers were put up and halogen lights were fixed for the night vigil.

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