Pall of gloom envelops Shiv Sena cadres after Bal Thackeray's death

MUMBAI: With the news of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray's death spreading like a wildfire across the city, party leaders are seen struggling to keep in check the emotions that are running high among the cadres.

Announcements are made on loudspeakers appealing the Sainiks to remain calm in the wake of Thackeray's death this afternoon.

As the news spread, bereaved women workers that were part of the crowds assembled outside 'Matoshree' were seen hugging each other crying inconsolably.

ET Special: Bal Thackeray’s life and times from Times of India archives

Police had a tough time as the slogan-shouting Shiv Sena workers tried to break through the barricades to reach the entrance gate of Shiv Sena supremo's Bandra residence.

Senior leader Diwakar Raote appealed to the crowd to remain calm. "Those who are true followers of Balasaheb should maintain discipline and cooperate with police to maintain law and order," he said.

Raote said if the party cadres resorted to ruckus, followers of Balasaheb from all over Maharashtra will not be able to reach here to pay their last respects.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today paid tribute to Thackeray, saying "A political era in Maharashtra politics has come to an end after the passing away of the Octogenerian Shiv Sena leader."

Thackeray had a special place in the political annals in Maharashtra, he said.

The RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi also mourned the death of the Shiv Sena leader.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, the state unit BJP president C P Thakur and other party leaders have also mourned Thackeray's demise.