New Delhi/Shillong, Sep 20 (IANS): Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi will visit Meghalaya Wednesday as part of efforts to boost Youth Congress membership in the state, party leaders said.

Gandhi is to visit Ampati in the West Garo Hills and address a meeting of the Youth Congress activists.

The party leaders said Gandhi may also do an aerial survey of quake-affected areas of Sikkim en route to Meghalaya or visit the state to get a first-hand account of the extent of damage in Sunday's earthquake. At least 50 people have been killed in the earthquake.

Gandhi's visit to Meghalaya is part of his meetings across the country to increase membership of the Youth Congress and encourage youth to join politics. Gandhi is Congress general secretary in charge of the Youth Congress.

"Rahulji is visiting Meghalaya to boost Youth Congress membership," Indian Youth Congress chief Rajiv Satav told IANS.

Meghalaya is scheduled to go for the assembly polls in 2013.

Another IYC functionary, K. Mahendran, said Gandhi will also interact with local youth on various issues facing them.

Ampati is the assembly constituency of Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

Congress leaders said Gandhi is expected to arrive at Umroi airport at 11.30 a.m. from Guwahati, the main city in Assam, and then go to Garo Hills.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth visit of the Congress leader.

"We have beefed up security," Additional Director General of Police Rajiv Mehta said.

He said a Special Protection Group team has reached the state as part of security arrangements.