Can’t meet you due to terror threat: Sena chief

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray warned his supporters of the terror attack threat in the city and has requested them not to throng to his residence on Sunday to greet him on his 84th birthday.

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray warned his supporters of the terror attack threat in the city and has requested them not to throng to his residence on Sunday to greet him on his 84th birthday.

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“The police have got information that terrorists may try to attack using crowds that gather on my birthday. You come in large numbers out of love for me, but we will have to take care. I will not be able to meet you anyway,” Thackeray said in an appeal in party mouthpiece, Saamna.

On his birthday, the ailing Sena chief will remain at Matoshree, his residence in Bandra. The party has organised a function at a city auditorium. Though there were plans that he would be attending the function, party sources said such a possibility was unlikely. “He is not keeping well. If the doctors allow it and he is keeping well, we will request him to attend the function. We will take a call on Sunday,” said a senior functionary.

For the past few years, Thackeray has been suffering from chest congestion and has stopped travelling. He rarely attends party functions though he sometimes meets party top leaders and a few visitors at his residence. “Nobody can stop Sainiks and well-wishers from coming to Matoshree, but please understand and don’t be angry if I don’t meet you,” Thackeray said in his appeal.

On Sunday, the party is publishing a collection of his speeches and articles written on him. Across the city, Sena units have organised various functions to celebrate his birthday.