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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, January 23: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today celebrated his 71st birthday in a low-key manner as has been the case for the past two years, since the death of his wife Meenatai Thackeray.
Rather than accept birthday greetings from the well-wishers who flocked at his residence for the event, the Sena leader chose to leave early today for Khopoli after a small private affair with close family members. 8220;He will be spending some time at a Vridhashram old age home and attending other functions,8221; said his son and senior Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray who met the visitors on his father8217;s behalf. Evidently, Thackeray8217;s recent announcement in the party organ Saamna that he will not entertain any visitors on his birthday had failed to dampen the enthusiasm of his party workers. Hundreds of them gathered at the supremo8217;s Matoshree residence to offer their wishes. 8220;In the old days, thousands of Sainiks would throng Kala Nagar to greet Balasaheb and receive his ashirwad,8221; said a Sena Bhavan spokesman.
When asked whether the celebrations violated the model code of conduct in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav Thackeray said, 8220;We8217;ve been celebrating his birthday every year in the same fashion. The code of conduct has nothing to do with his birthday celebrations8221;.
