Sena strongholds turn silent zones

Party, MNS workers and people remove Diwali lanterns, shut shops and perform poojas for ailing Thackeray

Shivaji Park, the otherwise bustling Sena bastion and venue for the Dussehra rally started by party chief Bal Thackeray 46 years ago, turned a silence zone on Thursday despite it being a holiday.

The critical condition of Thackeray subdued Diwali festivities as residents of the area took off lanterns from windows out of respect. "A day or two earlier, the park was full of people. It is quiet today," said Naval Patel.

Large lanterns hoisted by Sena as well as MNS were also removed by party workers. A lantern outside the house of MNS chief and Thackeray nephew Raj was also lowered in the afternoon. Workers were seen removing decorative lights put up around trees near the Mayor bungalow.

While the sound of a cricket bat hitting the ball could be heard, a small group of children playing at the north side of the park was not cheering at all.

The Sena Bhavan area was shut but for a few medical shops. Employees of Shivaji Park petrol pump said the owner told them after work on Wednesday night not to open the filling station Thursday morning.

Plaza Cinema, screening Jab Tak Hai Jaan, put up a notice cancelling all shows for the day and declaring refund to patrons.

Several small groups of people waited outside Sena Bhavan for good news about Thackeray. However, most party workers and leaders were at Matoshree.

There was heavy police presence around Shivaji Park and Sena Bhavan. An ambulance was also stationed near the park.

Traffic at Lalbaug and Parel, both Sena strongholds, was lean while most establishments remained closed. Parel has witnessed a shift in power with MNS gaining a foothold. " We are MNS members, but our guidance has predominantly come from Balasaheb. How can we celebrate? We requested people to keep shops shut. People obliged," said Vinit Deshmukh of Parel.

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