As the news spread of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's reluctance to take over as prime minister, the scene outside her residence was one of mass hysteria and utter chaos with party workers ready to lay down their lives if she did not relent.

Former member of Parliament, Gangacharan Rajput, who lost from the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, stood atop a car pointing a pistol to his forehead.

Just a few meters away Mahila Congress workers were scribbling letters in blood, requesting Sonia to reconsider her decision.

Akbar Road, which leads to Sonia Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence was packed with Congress supporters raising pro-Sonia and anti-Bharatiya Janata Party slogans.

Cops had a tough time controlling the unruly crowd. Special Protection Group personnel were seen pushing people away from the barricades.