Kerala poll trail sizzles as candidates turn to hydration, simple diets to beat the heat

Kochi: As the summer heat intensifies in Kerala ahead of the April 9 polls, candidates are relying on simple routines -- drinking tender coconut water, eating light meals, and staying hydrated between campaign stops.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of hot and humid conditions, with temperatures soaring across the state.

The state government has also directed that outdoor workers avoid work between 11 am and 3 pm due to the extreme weather.

Given these conditions, candidates are tailoring their campaign schedules to suit the climate.

Navya Haridas, BJP candidate from Kozhikode North, told PTI that her campaign team has planned activities in accordance with the weather conditions.

“We start our outdoor campaign at 7 am and conclude by 10 am. From then till 4 pm, we focus on house visits and interactions at commercial establishments. From 4 pm to 9 pm, we resume rallies, conventions and roadshows,” Haridas said.

Discussing her health regimen, she said she relies on hydration.

“I consume more tender coconut water. I am also cautious about food. Most of my meals are from the homes of party workers or at the BJP office,” she said.

She added that sleep has been affected by late-night meetings, but she is managing to ensure her health is not compromised.

Anitha Kuriakose, a senior dietitian at Lissie Hospital in Kochi, advised candidates and party workers to pay close attention to their diet during the campaign period.

“They should drink at least two litres of water daily. Fruits with high water content, salted lime water and tender coconut water are beneficial. However, diabetic individuals should avoid tender coconut water,” she told PTI.

Kuriakose also recommended including more vegetables in meals, avoiding junk food, having dinner before 8 pm, and ensuring adequate sleep.

Uma Thomas, Congress candidate from Thrikkakara, said she carries a box of salad in her car to maintain her diet during hectic schedules.

“As I am a vegetarian, I rely on salads whenever I get time during campaigning. I also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. However, due to the busy schedule, food intake is sometimes affected,” she said.

Like Haridas, Thomas focuses on direct voter interactions and indoor meetings during the afternoon.

“The short campaign period has made schedules more hectic. But with the support of party workers, we are reaching out to voters and covering all areas before the deadline,” she added.

CPI candidate from Cherthala and Minister P Prasad said he is coping with the heat by increasing water intake.

“When elections are held in summer, the only option is to adjust schedules according to the weather. Key campaign activities are conducted in the morning and evening, while afternoons are reserved for house visits and meetings,” he said.

With just two weeks left for the polls, Prasad admitted that maintaining a strict diet is difficult.

“We mostly eat at party workers’ homes or offices. The focus is more on work than health during the election period,” he added.