Crowds continue to swell, security hiked
All of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane wore a deserted look throughout Thursday. However, the scene at Kalanagar was distinctly different.
Thousands of Shiv Sainiks waited outside the Sena chief’s residence Matoshree restless with anticipation. His supporters were stationed there with the hope of gathering some news about their ailing leader.
Despite repeated official announcements from the Sena stating that the Sena chief’s condition was stable and that he was recovering, the crowds outside Kalanagar kept swelling through Thursday.
The news of the Sena supremo being critical first broke out on Wednesday night. Visitors continued to throng, but there was little information trickling from Matoshree, adding to the anxiety of those outside. Finally, Sena executive chief Uddhav Thackeray made an announcement around 2 am on a loudspeaker. The announcement clarified that Bal Thackeray was stable and that “there was nothing to worry about.”
Mr Uddhav Thackeray had to come out again after a while and request the crowd to “remain calm”. “Don’t insult Matoshree (by your actions),” he said, adding that the crowds should refrain from sloganeering. He urged the crowd not to do anything that would tarnish the Thackeray name.
Meanwhile, heavy bandobast has been deployed in the city since Wednesday evening after Mr Thackeray was reported to be critical. Apart from the Mumbai police, SRPF personnel, Force One and other agencies have also been posted. Additionally, vehicular movement in Kalanagar was restricted while roads near Matoshree were barricaded.
Post new comment