Rahul Gandhi in Leh, Congress party leaders say he's on Bharat Jodo Yatra

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Leh to a rousing welcome from locals on Thursday, on a two-day visit to Ladakh during which he will chair a party meeting and meet other social and political leaders of the region.

Party leaders said Gandhi's visit should be seen in continuum with the Bharat Jodo Yatra which infused fresh energy in the party cadres in Ladakh and across the country.

Scores of locals welcomed Gandhi outside the airport in Leh and many of them were seen on the road holding placards supporting Congress and Gandhi. "Our long wait is over and now he is here. He is here for two days during which a meeting will be held as well. His visit has boosted the morale of cadre here," said Tsering Namgyal, a senior Congress leader in Ladakh. He said Gandhi's visit is not connected with the 2024 Lok Sabha election and is part of Bharat Jodo Yatra.