I am not on ventilator, says Bal Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today dismissed reports of his being on ventilator and blamed a leading Marathi newspaper for spreading the "falsehood".

"I am not on a ventilator," Thackeray said. Warning those publishing misleading news about his being on ventilator, Thackeray said they should desist from such news. The 86-year-old Sena chief, who has been suffering from breathing problems for some time, expressed these views in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

Thackeray admitted his health was "not that good". "However, I have not completely collapsed," he said. His remarks came after media reports about deterioration in his medical condition. "So far, there has been no need of artificial respiration," he said.

"The good wishes of lakhs of my Shiv Sainiks are my oxygen," he added. The Sena chief said son Uddhav was looking after him. "Raj (nephew Raj Thackeray) also keeps coming regularly," he said. Thackeray has been unwell for some time. Last month, he could not attend his party's annual Dussehra rally here, but sought support for his son and grandson through a video recorded message.