Shillong, Feb 23: Congress party president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrived in Jowai in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills District on Saturday to address an election rally ahead of Assembly polls, which are scheduled to take place in the State on March 3.

Gandhi is also scheduled to address a rally in Tura in the State's West Garo Hills District.

In anticipation of her visit, the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) organised a 12-hour shutdown on Saturday, which failed to evoke any response.

Polls are being held in Meghalaya to elect 60 news member to the State Assembly, and security has been tightened for Gandhi's visit, as well as for next month's polls. (ANI)