Thackeray recovering, no need to worry, says 'Saamna'

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been seriously ill for a last few days, is recovering and there is no need to worry, said party mouthpiece 'Saamna' today. "Our warrior is fighting. With good wishes and prayers of Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra, Thackeray is recovering," an article said. It further quoted Sena Executive President and Thackeray's son Uddhav assuring people that there is no need to worry.

"Doctors treating Thackeray have also assured that the chief is recovering. His pulse rate, heart beat and blood pressure is normal. He has 98 per cent oxygen in his blood," it said. "We hope and pray that the Sena chief continues to respond well to the treatment being administered to him," it added. According to the article, Thackeray is being treated by Lilavati hospital doctors - Jaleel Parkar, Prakash Jindani and Samad Ansari - with assistance from Sena MLA and doctor Deepak Sawant.

No medical bulletin on his condition has been issued in the last three days though Shiv Sena leaders have communicated with the assembled media. Uddhav too briefly addressed the supporters twice in two days asking them to pray for the ailing leader's recovery.

The condition of the 86-year-old Sena patriarch, who has not been keeping well for the last few weeks, suddenly worsened on Wednesday night when he had to be put on life support, which was taken off later after he showed signs of improvement.