Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray who was always been at the forefront with regards to spewing venom against Muslims and leading the Saffron brigade throughout his life, however several facts remained unnoticed.
While everyone saw the physician of saffron leader Dr. Jalil Parker played an important role in Thackeray’s life, there are two more Muslims who also played an active role on his funeral.
According to a report published in Hindustan Times on 20th November, Shahid Ali was the man who carried the cortege of Thackeray on the 6 KM long procession to Shivaji Park from his Bandra resident. Another “UP ka Bhaiya” Ali living in Mumbai since 1992 accompanied Shahid Ali in taking the wheels forward.
This was the most challenging journey for Ali who has been driving since 1998 considering the massive traffic on the roads.
The 86-year-old died after suffering a cardiac arrest, Bal Thackeray was known to lead the cause of Hindutva extremist brigade. But very few know that Thackeray was attended by a Muslim doctor to fight health related problems for the past five years.
Even when Uddhav Thackeray needed a heart surgery some months ago, it was again Dr Parkar who led the medical team which treated him.
There was some commentary in political circles about Thackeray’s personal doctor being a Muslim, Dr Parkar never commented on this aspect. All he would say was the Sena Chief had been very kind to him.