Shiv Sainiks on Sunday made a beeline to Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray in Mumbai to greet him on his 84th birthday but the veteran leader did not meet any of them owing to security reasons.
Shiv Sena Executive President and Thackeray's son Uddhav accepted the greetings on behalf of his father.
The party had said on Saturday that the Sena chief will not be meeting his followers due to security reasons and possible terror threat to the party workers' rally, being organised for the celebrations.
"Terrorists can take advantage of the crowd to create trouble," a statement in the party mouthpiece Saamana said.
The concluding meeting of Mazi Chalval, Me Maharashtracha, an initiative by a Sena office bearer Satish Walunj to unite the Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was held on Sunday. Both the parties have distanced themselves from the event.
Uddhav released a CD, compilation of his father's speeches at a programme later in the evening.Image: Bal Thackeray greets Shiv Sainiks gathered outside Matoshree to wish him on his 84th birthday | Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com
