New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS): Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh Thursday wished octogenarian Bal Thackeray speedy recovery, soon after he offered the family condolences on being - mistakenly - informed that the Shiv Sena chief had died.

"We are praying for his good health... The way he has fought in life with great courage, I am confident he will also battle this ill health," Digvijaya Singh told reporters.

His comments came hours after a faux pas in which he offered his condolences to the Thackeray family. He apologised immediately and wished Thackeray "speedy recovery".

Digvijaya Singh on Thursday morning had tweeted his condolences. "Sorry to hear about Bala Saheb's sad demise. Never accepted his Political Ideology but admired his Wit and Courage of Conviction. My condolences to Udhav and Thakre Family."

Realising his mistake, he immediately tweeted his apologies. "My apologies to Thakre Family Pray for his speedy recovery."

He said in a tweet conversation that he had been "informed by some friends from Mumbai".

The 86-year-old Thackeray has been suffering from breathing problems. Crowds gathered outside his residence in Mumbai after news spread that he was in critical condition.