Mumbai: Hardline Hindutva leader Shiv Sena supremo Bal Keshav Thackeray died of a heart attack at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in suburban Bandra today after battling for life for past few days, sending shock waves of grief.
The death of the 86-year-old Maratha strongman was announced by his long time physician Dr Jalil Parkar of Leelavati Hospital who was treating him.
‘He had suffered a cardiac arrest. We could not revive him despite our best efforts as his breathing stopped at 1533 hrs,’ Dr Parkar made the announcement to the crowd of party workers and tv camera crew gathered outside.
The first indication of his demise came when senior party leaders, including his nephew Raj Thackeray, along with family rushed to Matoshree. Following the announcement of his death, many of his party workers broke down in tears.
Agitated Shiv Sainiks raised slogans of ‘Bal Thackeray amar rahe’ and attempted to enter the house but were prevented by the police who had thrown a cordon there.
The body will be taken in a procession to Shiv Sena Bhavan, the party headquarters situated at Shivaji Park, where it will be kept in state for public viewing from 0700 hrs tomorrow morning. The Sena patriarch used to address massive rallies at Shivaji Park every year.
