The health of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, who was in a critical condition last night, is "stable" now, party spokesman Sanjay Raut said this morning.
"Balasaheb is stable now. Need not worry. He is responding to doctors' efforts," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, told PTI.
Doctors attending to Thackeray (86) had said last night that he was in a "very critical" condition and on life support system.
None of the doctors attending on him were available for the latest update on his condition today.
BJP leader Gopinath Munde who visited 'Matoshree' this morning told reporters that "the Sena chief's health is better than last night".
As news spread about Thackeray's health, several party workers started assembling outside his residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra, where security has been stepped up.
A number of Shiv Sena MPs, legislators and senior leaders also reached Thackeray's residence as the news spread about Thackeray's health.
Senior leader Ramdas Kadam, who was among others who rushed to see the ailing patriarch, had told reporters last night that doctors were trying their level best to stabilise his condition.
Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar today expressed concern over Sena chief Bal Thackeray's ailing health and re-scheduled a music event.
"I am extremely disturbed and concerned about the critical health of Shri Balasaaheb Thackeray, who is like a family member to me. My prayers are with Balasaaheb and the entire Thackeray family," Mangeshkar wrote on Twitter.
"In view of this, I am postponing the function of my music company to a later date," Mangeshkar said.
The event was scheduled for November 18.
Meanwhile, Bollywood celebrities Madhur Bhandarkar, Nana Patekar and others visited Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.
Filmmaker Pritish Nandy said he is praying for Thackeray's recovery.
"My sympathies and love to Uddhav and Aditya as they cope with the tragedy of Balasaheb's failing health. May he fight back and win. Our prayers go out for Balasaheb Thackeray and his family members.... May the tiger wake up and roar again," he said.
"That a cartoonist in the Free Press Journal could reach where Balasaheb reached is a tribute to the power of Indian democracy. There will be lots of time later to discuss the politics of the Sena, good or bad. Time to now pray that Balasaheb comes back from the edge," he added.
Meanwhile, shops in most parts of Mumbai have downed their shutters.
