Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi embarked on a two-day visit to Ladakh, where he engaged with local youth during an event in Leh. This visit marks Rahul Gandhi’s first trip to Ladakh since the region’s reorganization into two Union Territories, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, following the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.
Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and supporting its vision through the establishment of key institutions. He highlighted the role of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in promoting the constitutional framework, while expressing concerns about the placement of individuals affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in pivotal institutional positions.
During his stay, Rahul Gandhi’s Ladakh tour has been extended until August 25, according to party sources. As part of his extended itinerary, he is set to celebrate the birthday of his late father and former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, at Pangong Lake on August 20. Rahul will also visit the Kargil Memorial to pay homage to fallen soldiers and engage with local youth during his stay.
A highlight of his visit will be attending a football match in Leh, showcasing his personal connection to the sport as a former college football player. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to participate in the meeting of the 30-member Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil elections on August 25.
In the lead-up to the LAHDC-Kargil elections, the Congress party and the National Conference have formed a pre-poll alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These council elections are slated to take place on September 10.
Rahul Gandhi’s arrival in Ladakh was met with an enthusiastic reception from party leaders and workers at the Leh airport. While the Congress MP had previously visited Srinagar and Jammu earlier in the year, this tour marks his inaugural visit to the Ladakh region.
Earlier in the year, Rahul Gandhi embarked on the “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” during which he visited Jammu and Srinagar in January. He also made a personal visit to the Gulmarg ski resort in February, showcasing his engagement with different regions of the newly reorganized Jammu and Kashmir.