PUNE: A day after NCP boss Sharad Pawar secured the resignations of all party ministers in the coalition Maharashtra government, his nephew Ajit Pawar , who also resigned as deputy chief minister, on Saturday hit out obliquely at the top leadership saying that leaders from the state had proved "ineffective" in Delhi.

Ajit's comments came as he eulogized late deputy prime minister Yashwantrao Chavan at a function where a book was released on the Maharashtra leader. "When I read about Chavan and see his photographs, it is clear that he was confident enough to rub shoulders with leaders like Pandit Nehru . He presented himself in a confident manner in New Delhi. Today, when we see state leaders in Delhi, they are ineffective and look anxious in the presence of big leaders," he said in what was seen as a nuanced comment following the latest developments in the NCP.

"Chavansaheb came from rural Karad, but he proved his mettle. I have respect for all those who were in charge of the state, but there is no other leader like Chavansaheb. He has taken major decisions for the welfare of the state," Ajit said praising the late leader whom Sharad Pawar considers his mentor.

Earlier, Ajit distanced himself from commenting on the developments. "The decision was taken by Sharad Pawar and senior leaders like Praful Patel. They take decisions based on the experience they have gained over the years. I cannot specify the exact reason as it was not my decision."

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar though maintained that the decision was taken after sensing the groundswell of resentment against the party's performance in the state government. He said reallocation of work among the party's ministers would be completed by Tuesday.

"There were some surveys in the state that reflected the public mood against the party. We don't agree with the survey results totally, but as a political party, we have to be sensitive towards public sentiments. I am here to strengthen the party, not to liquidate it," Pawar said.

"Some of the senior party ministers have expressed their willingness to work for the party and some, like Chhagan Bhujbal want to contest Lok Sabha elections . Senior ministers stepping aside for party work and paving the way for new people is a welcome signal," he said.