RJD, a key constituent of UPA has criticized Shivraj Patil's decision to quit as Home Minister on Sunday. The party described it as a much "delayed" move.

Patil has tendered resignation owing moral responsibility for the Mumbai terror attacks, the worst the country had seen.

RJD chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said national security is the top priority and ministership does not matter in this context.

"It (the decision) was delayed too much," Prasad said while reacting to the resignation by Patil in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks.

Describing Patil's move, he cited a Bihari couplet -- ka varsha, jab krishi sukhani (what is the use of rainfall when the crop has already dried up).