Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday cancelled his visits to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, citing health reasons.

Rahul apologised for cancelling the visits, saying that he had been running high fever since Sunday and has been advised rest by doctors for the next two days.

He was scheduled to tour Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where elections will be held on May 16. 'Unfortunately I have been down with high fever since Sunday and the Doctor has advised rest for the next two days,' he tweeted.

'Shall keep everyone updated about the rescheduled visits,' he added.

The campaigning ends in these states on May 14. The government on Monday cleared additional security for Rahul after his party met Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the assassination threats.

Singh issued extra caution for both the Intelligence Bureau and the elite force that guards politicians considered to be at high risk.

The Puducherry Police too had made special preparations for Rahul's speech.

The home minister had decided that Gandhi would get more commandos from the Special Protection Group, which handles the security of top leaders including the prime minister.