The Shiv Sena Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on October 24 was like any other, with one significant difference. Party supremo Bal Thackeray was not physically present. Instead his mellowed and poignant words, in the form of a pre-recorded speech, were heard with rapt attention by supporters. Cheers and sloganeering were few and far between, and so were Thackeray’s customary stinging remarks against rivals.

He appealed followers to guard the flame of Marathi unity ignited by him, and made a fervent plea that they take care of Uddhav and Aaditya – his son and grandson. He spoke about his frail health too.