Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today left for a visit to flood-affected areas of Chennai and its suburbs and Puducherry.


Gandhi would first visit Puducherry and later Cuddalore and Chennai during the day-long visit.


Earlier there was speculation that Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi would appear before a Delhi court in the National Herald case after the Delhi High Court turned down their plea for exemption from personal appearance but a senior counsel is likely to appear before court today and press for new dates when the case comes up for hearing.

During his visit to Tamil Nadu, Rahul would also be visiting Kancheepuram. Chennai, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram were the worst-hit during the torrential rains that battered TN leading to over 270 deaths.

After arriving at Puducherry airport, Gandhi will visit Rodierpet, Riyankuppam, Krimambakkam and a few other areas here and distribute relief materials to the affected people.