Sonia Gandhi demands Amit Shah's scalp

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah must take responsibility for violence in Delhi and resign, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said on Wednesday, hitting out at the government over the large-scale violence that has erupted in parts of northeast Delhi, killing 23 people and leaving at least 200 injured.

"What was the Home Minister doing since last week? What was the Home Minister doing earlier this week? Why were the paramilitary forces not called in earlier when the Home Ministry saw the situation worsening," Sonia Gandhi said at a press conference at the Congress headquarters in the capital.

"The Central government, including the Home Minister, is responsible. The Congress party demands that he resign immediately," she said after chairing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, the party's top decision-making body.

She blamed both the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, saying the administration did not take adequate steps on time to curb violence in the national capital. The Delhi Chief Minister must be visible in the affected areas and stay in constant communication with the people, she said.

Congress holds peace march

Leading the "Peace March" organised by the Congress party against communal riots, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi hit the streets and demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation on Wednesday.

Addressing Congress leaders and activists after the Peace March was stopped by Delhi police midway, Priyanka slammed Home Minister Amit Shah for failing the country and the capital city.

"We wanted to reach to Amit Shah's residence and demand his resignation but Delhi police (comes under the Home Minister) stopped us," said Priyanka.

Blaming the BJP leaders for destroying Delhi, Priyanka said, "Delhi is on fire. It is our city…it is our duty to spread peace and extend help to those who have been affected by the riots."