Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray critical, supporters gather outside his residence in Mumbai

Mumbai: Update 5.30 am Amitabh Bachchan who spent quite a few hours at the Thackeray's residence along with his son Abhishek later tweeted that prayers were needed at this hour. He said, "Balasaheb Thackeray: a fighter all his life, fights his life !! Prayers needed now!"

2.20 am According to PTI, Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav said, "Balasaheb has strong will power. We'll come out from the problem. Don't trust rumours. Make peace."

1.44 am According to IANS, Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav and nephew Raj on Thursday jointly appealed to party activists to 'remain calm'.

Traffic to the residence of Bal Thackeray has been blocked and there is heavy presence of police personnel in the area.

12.50 am: According to PTI, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has been put on life-support system.

The concern over the health of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray seems to have grown with party members and crowds gathering outside 'Matoshree', the residence of the leader in Mumbai. According to the latest reports, traffic to the residence of Thackeray has been blocked and there is heavy presence of police personnel in the area.

This comes hours after reports said that the Shiv Sena supremo is on continuous oxygen and not eating anything. "Bal Thackeray is not on ventilator, but is on continuous oxygen," his close source said on Tuesday. He said the 86-year-old Sena patriarch, who has been suffering from breathing problems, continues to be under medical supervision.

"His health is not so good. He is not eating anything," he said. A number of leaders including former President Pratibha Patil have visited Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' over the past few days to enquire about his health.

(With Additional Inputs from PTI)

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