Lucknow, Aug 6 - Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi was Thursday accorded a hero's welcome by his party workers as he visited this Uttar pradesh capital for the first time after the general elections.

Thousands of people carrying Congress flags or banners welcomed him at Kucknow's Amousi airport, which resounded with cheers of 'Rahul Gandhi zindabad' (Long live Rahul Gandhi).

The 14-km long drive from the airport to the state Congress headquarters at the Mall Avenue wore a festive look with large posters, banners and hoardings of the young MP almost every 100 metres.

Enthusiastic party workers flung flower garlands at the vehicle carrying him as his motorcade meandered through the crowded roads.