Netas now chanting fitness and diet mantra

Union minister Milind Deora (37), the Congress candidate from South Mumbai is eating less these days. He has also cut down on oily foods as they apparently cause discomfort and induce laziness. Besides, he is following a strict fitness regime—exercising at least thrice a week, that include two days of running or swimming, and one day of lightweight training.

"Keeping fit is very important during the elections which are going to be held in the summer," says Deora, who is facing a tough competition this time due to the anti-incumbency factor and his strong opponents He definitely does not want to compromise on his health in such a scenario.

Nor does his main contender, MNS leader Bala Nandgaokar (57), when it comes to fitness. The Man Friday of Raj Thackeray never skips his morning walks. He has also turned a vegetarian and hopes to remain so at least till the elections are over. 

The slim and fit Bala says: "I prefer vegetarian food these days. I eat less too—two chapatis for lunch and two for dinner sans rice. It keeps me energetic." For snacks, he just has kurmure. "It comes handy during campaigns and also keeps the stomach light, which is important as we have to walk a lot," says Bala.

Dr Hemant Gupta, consultant physician, Bombay Hospital, whose clientele include top politicians, says: "Besides light food, having a lot of fluids is important to maintain electrolyte balance and avoid dehydration. Politicians have to keep this in mind or else they are likely to doze off and forget what they have come prepared to say." 

Fruit juices, lassi-chhaas and fresh fruits are the flavour of the season, says Sanjay Nirupam, the sitting Congress MP who is contesting from North Mumbai. He also sweats it out in badminton courts everyday. For those afflicted with diabetes, hypertension or other chronic diseases, fitness is even more important. Gajanan Kirtikar (68), the Sena candidate from North-West, says: "Since I am a diabetic, I make sure I eat 6-7 times in small portions a day. I prefer vegetarian food." He doesn't exercise, but has a 30-minute massage every morning. "It helps to increase the blood circulation," he says.

Many candidates have cut down on smoking and drinking too. "Smoking could project a negative image. So, I have started reducing cigarettes," said a candidate requesting anonymity. He aims to cut down to 5 cigarettes-a-day from 15-a-day by March end. Those who never used to go to bed before having 2-3 pegs, are now trying their best to become teetotalers as they have to work late night and get up early.

Quotes
* Keeping fit is very important during the elections which are going to be held in the summer – Congress' Milind Deora.

* I prefer vegetarian food these days. I eat less too—two chapatis for lunch and two for dinner sans rice. It keeps me energetic - MNS leader Bala Nandgaokar.

* Since I am a diabetic, I make sure I eat 6-7 times in small portions a day. I prefer vegetarian food – Shiv Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar.

* Besides light food, having a lot of fluids is important to maintain electrolyte balance and avoid dehydration. Politicians have to keep this in mind or else they are likely to doze off and forget what they have come prepared to say – Dr Hemant Gupta, consultant physician, Bombay Hospital