Shiv Sena patriarch Balsaheb Thackeray died at his residence Matoshree in Mumbai this afternoon. 86 years old Bal Thackeray was suffering from multiple organ failure. Dr. Jalil Parker, who was treating Balasaheb told media persons in Mumbai that Thackeray suffered a heart attack and they could not revive him despite their best efforts. He said Bal Thackeray breathed his last at around 3:30 pm. He is survived by sons Jaidev and Uddhav, who is the Executive President of the party. Senior party leaders and Bal Thackeray’s nephew and MNS chief Raj Thackeray along with family members and other political leaders were in ‘Matoshree.’
Massive crowds of Shiv Sena supporters gathered outside Matoshree, within minutes of the announcement of his death. Shops in several areas shut down as the news of Thackeray's death spread. People were stranded in several areas as many taxis and auto rickshaws also went off road. The security has been stepped up in Mumbai in the wake of Thackeray's death.
The President Mr.Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President, Mr. Hamid, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and leaders of various political parties and social spectrum have condoled the death of Bal Thackeray. Ansari said, he was grieved to learn about the sad demise of Balasaheb Thackeray. Dr. Manmohan Singh cancelled the dinner he was to host this evening for BJP leaders because of Thackeray's death on Sushma Swaraj's request. Dr. Singh also telephonically spoke to Udhav Thackeray to offer condolences upon the loss of his father. Dr. Singh said, for Balasaheb Thackeray the interests of Maharashtra were particularly important and he always strived to inculcate a sense of pride in its people. He appealed for calm during this period of loss and mourning. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also condoled the death of Shiv Sena Chief Bala Saheb Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said the state has lost a veteran, experienced leader. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that Thackeray, as cartoonist, arrived on the scene like a storm after the collapse of communists in Mumbai, and took forward the legacy of his reformist father.
BJP Leader Chief Nitin Gadkari said Thackeray worked for the people all his life. Senior BJP leader L.K Advani said Thackeray's death has left a gapping void in the politics of the country. Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said she was pained to hear that the lion is dead.
Union Minister Minster and NCP leader Praful Patel, said Maharashtra has lost one of its charismatic leader. Calling him a man of great “grit” and “conviction”, Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Ajay Devgnn condoled the demise of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray today.
Shiv Sena party workers will be able to pay last respects to Bal Thackrey from 7.00 am on Sunday at Shivaji Park at Dadar where his body will be kept. Bal Thackeray’s last rites will be performed tomorrow late afternoon.
