Health is wealth on poll tours

Hyderabad
March 18: What is the most precious thing for politicians who are preparing for long tours to woo voters? The answer is health. If their health fails them in this crucial period, the battle can be lost.
With elections round the corner, the politicians have started opting for food and liquids that would keep them fit and fine. They are also paying a lot of attention to keep their voices intact. As the weather keeps changing from district to district, it become extremely difficult for them to keep their throat in perfect shape.
The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, accords top priority to his health throughout the year. But two persistent problems have always troubled him. His long association with cigarettes has made his throat vulnerable even to the slightest climate changes. And regular pains in his legs, which started during his historic 1,500-km padayatra, continues to trouble him a lot during extensive tours.
“To clear his throat he takes warm water every half-an-hour. Mr Sureedu, his personal aide, is always there with a thermos. He never takes water outside and waits till Mr Sureedu gets him warm water even during a public meeting,” said another aide of Dr Reddy.
To keep his weight under control, Dr Reddy eats nearly one kg of cucumber slices every day. He does not like biscuits, cashewnuts or even fruits during tours.
Mr Chandrababu Naidu, the TD chief, has a different strategy to protect his health during long political tours. His aides said Mr Naidu takes a glass of warm milk mixed with pepper powder to clear his throat whenever he has to deliver a speech.
Chiranjeevi faced a lot of trouble when he did not take any precautions during his first-ever political tour. He had to cancel his tour with soar throat and fever.
But Junior NTR has surprised many with his well-planned tour. Though this was his first political tour, he succeeded in keeping his voice clear and health in good condition. His friends said he uses an ayurvedic syrup every morning to strengthen his voice. He only eats dinner and prefers taking idli or a cup of curd rice during the day.
“He gives top priority to his health. He does not drink cool water and gurgles with warm water before and after delivering a speech,” said Mr Revanth Reddy, a TD legislator.