Balasaheb Thakre he's helth is Critical, Large Crowd atound Matoshri

"I have not lost hope. We are facing a crisis, we shall overcome," Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said early Thursday even as his father and party supremo Bal Thackeray remained "critical".

Uddhav stepped outside the Thackeray home 'Matoshri' briefly around 2am to address the massive crowd of anxious party activists who gathered there since late Wednesday.

Accompanied by son Aditya, Uddhav appealed to the people to "remain calm and maintain peace" and ensure that the image of 'Matoshri' is not spoiled.

"The team of doctors is continuing their efforts....Balasaheb's self-determination is very strong... We are facing a crisis, we shall overcome," Uddhav assured his supporters.

He added that Thackeray was responding positively to the medical treatment being administered by the doctors and urged his supporters to pray for their leader's health and co-operate in maintaining peace.

The 86-year-old Thackeray has been suffering from breathing problems and has been occasionally put on oxygen.

Shortly after Uddhav's assurance, many of the 5,000-plus party activists who had crowded around 'Matoshri' slowly started dispersing.

Over 5,000 anxious Shiv Sainiks from Mumbai, Thane and other parts of the state trooped to Bandra east awaiting a word on their beloved leader's health.

All roads leading to 'Matoshri' were also barricaded and even some party leaders had to abandon their vehicles near the Western Express Highway and walk the short route to the Thackeray household.

Traffic jams were reported on major roads to the north and south of Bandra inconveniencing thousands of people celebrating Diwali.

Balasaheb's son and Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, his nephew and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and other relatives were at his bedside. Shiv Sainiks, including senior Sena leaders Manohar Joshi and Subhash Desai, made a beeline to Matoshree on learning about the Sena chief's health.

Police threw a security ring around Matoshree and senior Mumbai police officials visited Kala Nagar, the three-lined enclave where Matoshree is situated, to take stock of the situation.

Thackeray has been ill for over two weeks. He was admitted to Lilavati hospital in July this year after he complained of breathlessness and constipation. Since then, he was wheeled into Lilavati on two occasions.

He couldn't attend the Sena's Dussehra rally last month because of poor health. A video-tape of his address was played at the annual party conclave held at Shivaji Park.

(With inputs from TOI)