Rejecting Raj Thackeray's allegation that NCP plays "caste politics", party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the MNS president never takes a consistent stand on any issue and remains in "hibernation" for three to four months a year which is his "speciality". Speaking at a rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Saturday, Raj Thackeray had criticised Sharad Pawar, accusing him of "playing the caste card from time to time and dividing society.'

"On the contrary, NCP brings together people from all the castes. Raj Thackeray should have studied the history of NCP (before making comments)," Pawar told reporters in Kolhapur. Replying to a question on the MNS chief's speech, Pawar took a swipe saying, "Raj Thackeray stays underground for three to four months and suddenly surfaces to give a lecture. This is his speciality. I don't know what he does for months". Pawar said the MNS chief talks about many things but lacks a consistent stand.