MUMBAI, 10 January 2008 — Rumors that Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray was seriously ill continued to circulate yesterday causing jitters in Maharashtra’s political circles and prompting Sena leaders to scotch them.
As rumors spread, thousands of Sena supporters thronged Thackeray’s Matoshree residence in Bandra and party headquarters in Dadar on Tuesday and yesterday. In spite of being told that the Sena supremo was in good health, the crowds refused to disperse.
“We won’t believe it unless we see Thackeray in person and only then will we leave,” said Vinayak Joshi, a newspaper vendor from Andheri suburb.
Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi, a former Lok Sabha speaker, said he had spoken to Thackeray and that he was in good health.
“When I drew his attention to the rumors, Thackeray laughed and said that whenever the opposition spreads such rumors, his health becomes better,” he said.
Neelam Gorhe, spokeswoman for Sena, said that the rumors were part of a conspiracy to spread misinformation by those who oppose the party. She added that Sena activists were preparing to celebrate Thackeray’s birthday on Jan. 23 and preparing themselves for the party’s mega convention in Shegaon on Jan. 12, which Thackeray is expected to attend. “Some people just don’t like to see Sena activists upbeat,” Gorhe said.
The Sena mouthpiece “Saamna” published a photograph of Thackeray enjoying a private musical party with family and appearing well. Senior Sena leader Subash Desai, commenting on Thackeray’s health, said that there was no reason to worry about his health, as he was well and had even met visiting guests.
A source said Thackeray complained of breathing problems during a meeting on Monday night and a doctor examined. Another doctor visited the Sena leader on Tuesday morning. Thereafter, Thackeray was taken to Lilavati Hospital at 12:45 p.m. for a routine checkup — something not confirmed by the hospital.
