Ailing Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today lashed out at sections of media for circulating rumours about his health and reporting that he was “on ventilator”. In a front page editorial in his party mouthpiece Saamna, Thackeray writes: “Those who publish news about me on a ventilator will themselves be put on a ventilator soon”.

The 86-year-old has been suffering from breathing problems and other age-related complaints.

"I have nothing to hide on this issue. During the Dussehra rally last month, I took my party activists into confidence and made it clear publicly that my health was not too good," Thackeray said about his persisting health concerns.

He also admitted that a team of doctors was making efforts to improve his condition. However, he said he had not yet reached a stage requiring "artificial respiration" as the love and affection of his supporters was acting like "a breath of fresh air".

Thackeray said his son Uddhav (who is recuperating from an angioplasty performed a few days ago) was looking after him round-the-clock as other family members.

"Even (nephew) Raj Thackeray keeps coming regularly. Yesterday (Sunday), former president Pratibha Patil had come. I also read the newspapers as usual, but I don't speak on the phone, that's all," Thackeray said, assuring his health was stable.

Thackeray conveyed his Diwali greetings to the people of Maharashtra and his party activists, Raj had told mediapersons after visiting his uncle Sunday evening.