At 8am every morning, Dr C N Manjunath, former director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and Research Institute, Bangalore, the BJP candidate contesting the elections from the Bengaluru Rural constituency, is all set to leave for campaigning. Dr Manjunath, a doctor-turned-debut Lok Sabha candidate is up by 6am and begins his day with a glass of water followed by milk with no sugar. He enjoys a typical South Indian breakfast — idli, dosa or upma — and sips a glass of watermelon juice while glancing through the newspapers. He also eats a bowl of papaya every day.
Sowmya Reddy, a Congress candidate contesting from the Bengaluru South constituency, also campaigns for over 13 hours a day. She, too, begins her day with a nutritious South Indian breakfast.
Campaigning for the Lok Sabha 2024 election during the summer months requires energy, determination, grit and careful planning so that the candidates and their volunteers remain healthy. Happiest Health met some candidates to find out how they beat the heat as they campaign for long hours.
‘Walking is as important as voting’
During his outreach campaigns for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 in the summer, Dr Manjunath shares health tips with voters. In a recent address, he asked them to walk to the polling station on the election day. He shares that standing and walking are both simple ways of exercising that everyone can embrace. “Walk, as health is as important as voting,” he said in a recent morning meeting in a park.
Hydration is the key
Reddy, who had episodes of fainting and low blood pressure earlier, focuses on staying hydrated. “As I am vegan, I drink coconut milk, badam milk, coffee with oat milk or black coffee or tender coconut water,” she says. Moreover, she is careful to eat nutritious food in the morning. “If I don’t have time to eat at home, I grab a bite in the car,” she says. She also keeps a stock of bananas and dry fruits in her car for herself and others. “I don’t know when my next meal will be. I am usually out for campaigning by 6.30am and come home only by midnight,” she says.
As he sets out for campaigning in summer, Dr Manjunath ensures that oranges and a flask of warm water are kept in his car. Dr Manjunath shares that he prefers drinking tender coconut water to stay hydrated and avoids fruit juices while outside.
Managing health issues while campaigning
While it might seem like campaigning outdoors involves a significant amount of physical activity, Dr Manjunath’s steps per day have reduced from 10,000 to 5,000. He shares, “I used to burn 242kcal a day before my retirement, which has now dropped to 153kcal. Although I walk while campaigning, I end up standing a lot and attending meetings,” says Dr Manjunath.
Being vegan, Reddy has other challenges. “Sometimes while I am out on campaigning, people offer prasadam containing ghee, but it is offered with so much love that I cannot bring myself to refuse it,” she shares. Another persistent concern is her throat congestion. “I always keep lozenges and hot water in my car. Besides, as I have asthma, I require inhalers and nebulization at times,” she adds.
Acknowledging the difficulties
While campaigning for Lok Sabha polls 2024 in the summer, Reddy acknowledges that many people cut down on fluids while outside due to the lack of public toilets or associated hygiene issues. People may need to carry water and use restrooms in restaurants, which tend to be cleaner.
“I am a part of Bengaluru Climate Action Plan,” adds Reddy. Talking of climatic changes in the city over the past few years, she stresses the need to plant more trees for a healthier environment.
