NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray is ready to support NCP president Sharad Pawar for the post of prime minister in case he decides to join a third front but is opposed to Sonia Gandhi occupying the same post.

"Yes, I will certainly support Pawar. He has been a very good friend of mine and in case he decides to join the third front after the Uttar Pradesh elections, I will certainly support his candidature for the post of prime minister," Thackeray said in a TV programme on Sunday.

The Sena ideologue, however, had completely different views when asked about Congress President Sonia Gandhi becoming the prime minister.

"No, I will oppose her. There can't be any comparison between her and Sharad Pawar." he said.

When asked about the young MP's recent comments on the role of his family in the creation of Bangladesh, he said "Leave that aside. I agree that (former prime minister) Indira (Gandhi) had a role in the creation of Bangladesh, but it was Mujib-ur-Rehman who was instrumental in the creation of Bangladesh,".

On the government's move for caste-based quotas, Thackeray said, "No, we are for reservation on the basis of economic criteria. We are totally against caste-based reservation."

Asked why the Shiv Sena was opposing a second term for President A P J Abdul Kalam when it supported him at the time of his election, he said, "When the Supreme Court has given the decision, why is he delaying Afzal's hanging? Kalam is not performing his duties properly. He is under pressure. I am not going to support him till Afzal is hanged."

On his retirement from politics, Thackeray said, "I haven't retired from politics. I am an adviser to the Shiv Sena and Udhav. I am like a watchdog in the Sena. I keep an eye on everything and if need be, I hammer."