Mid-Day

Even as rumours of Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray’s health being very critical started making the rounds late on Saturday night, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who visited Matoshree at around 11 pm, told the waiting reporters and photographers that Balasaheb was alright and there was no need to panic. “Today, Balasaheb had fruits and soup. Please don’t spread any rumours.”

Raj Thackeray speaking to the media outside Matoshree on Saturday. Pic/ Satyajit Desai

At the time of going to press, sources at Lilavati Hospital added, “Bal Thackeray has not been brought down to our hospital yet. We have not been informed of any emergency.”

Towards late evening, rumours of the Shiv Sena supremo being shifted to Lilavati Hospital in a critical condition started doing the rounds. Sources inside Matoshree confirmed that Balasaheb had been coughing since evening.