Mumbai, November 14
The condition of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray turned critical tonight with the octogenarian leader suffering from multi-organ failure. Earlier, he had complained of extreme breathlessness and lack of appetite, according to party leaders.

According to information available from party sources, breathing apparatus and a dialysis machine have been taken to Matoshree, the residence of Thackeray. The Sena chief has slipped into unconsciousness and efforts are on to revive him, party leaders said.

"Balasaheb is very critical and doctors are doing their best," Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam told reporters outside the Thackeray residence. Senior Shiv Sena leaders and members of the family are at Thackeray's bedside, sources said. Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek, close friends of Thackeray, are among those who called on the family.

Thackeray, who remains under treatment at his residence in suburban Mumbai, has several doctors attending on him. As his condition worsened this evening, several senior specialists from Lilavati Hospital rushed to his residence late this evening.

Relatives of the Thackeray family, including his nephew Raj Thackeray, are at his bedside, party leaders said.

As news of Thackeray's deteriorating health condition filtered out, several thousand Shiv Sainiks have congregated outside his residence.

Senior police officials who have rushed the spot are monitoring the security situation. Apart from the regular police personnel, contingents of the State Reserve Police and the Rapid Action Force have been deployed.