Bal Thackeray birthday a low-key affair

Shiv Sena workers in the city had to celebrate their party supremo, Balasaheb Thackeray’s 85th birthday on Monday on a low key due to the model code of conduct imposed for the civic elections. The fear of wrath of the election commission prevented party members from conducting any major celebration, competitions or games. 

Member of Legislative Council, Neelam Gorhe said, “I’d given instructions to party workers here in Pune to celebrate it in a manner that will not influence voters in any way. There was ample happiness and good wishes for Balasaheb, but all the fanfare was missing in the city.” 

“We distributed fruits at orphanages, hospitals and old age homes. We also organised poojas at various places in the city, but the party workers were given strict instructions not to break the rules,” she said.

The party workers refrained from pomp and gaiety. 

There were no banners, hoardings, cut-outs or posters in the city wishing the leader on his birthday.