BJP chief is likely to announce a younger core team today, but not before getting himself a leaner, younger makeover
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Fit hai boss: BJP chief Nitin Gadkari has been working hard on his fitness. Pics/Rajeev Tyagi |
Nitin Gadkari, one of India's most powerful men and leader of its biggest opposition party -- the BJP -- is throwing away his weight.
Workouts, yogic exercises and a more careful diet are all part of his rigorous weight-loss programme, senior BJP sources told MID DAY recently.
Considering that the leader is poised to announce a younger core team at the national level today with additions like Varun Gandhi and Hema Malini, the quest for a fitter, leaner image to lead a new generation seems in order. Photographs are proof that Gadkari is indeed shedding the kilos.
Get lean for a fat job
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| Healthy makeover |
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The party itself seems to be in a healthy-living mode if the national council meeting in Indore is any indication. At the make-believe rural surroundings in the sprawling Kushabhau-Thackeray township, cycles were made freely available and even encouraged. The site had no cars, and most leaders including the top leadership either walked down or used cycles. Even the food was kept basic and healthy. Incidentally, the idea of the back-to-basics, healthy lifestyle came from Gadkari, said sources. |
| According to two senior BJP leaders, 52-year-old Gadkari has been grappling with his weight problem for some years but decided to take it seriously a few months ago after he was regarded a serious contender for the party president's job.
"It is imperative that he does it, not just for his looks but also for his health. Now the entire party's responsibility is on him," said a senior BJP leader from Maharashtra, requesting not to be named since it was Gadkari's private endeavour.
"I don't think it's just one method; he has consulted several experts on this." Another BJP leader, who was witness to Gadkari's diet regime and meal timings during the national council meeting in Indore, said the latter even had trained personnel with him for workouts.
"I think he had tried sticking to a professional trainer but since he is an extremely busy man, he couldn't find time for the trainer every day. Currently, there is someone who is trained and stays with him at most times," said the source.
"Whenever he gets time, after meals at home or between appointments, he does his workouts," the source added.
Party, but watch out
In spite of repeated attempts over several days, Gadkari was unavailable for comment.
His secretary Manoj Wadekar denied the news. "No he is not working out, he is very busy these days," he said.
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar admitted that Gadkari is fitter these days and attributes it to the party's inclination towards a healthy lifestyle.
"Everybody in our party is health-conscious and we try to keep fit. After all, politics isn't a short-term occupation and we need to maintain good health," said Javadekar.
"The important position he is in, it is imperative for the party president to keep fit. And if he appears fitter, it is because of his dedication to move to a healthy lifestyle," he said.
| Food chart for Gadkari |
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Namita Jain, fitness expert and nutritionist, charts a course for Gadkari:
>>His ideal weight would be 72-75 kg. Weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is safe.
>>The best way to achieve this is by reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie expenditure through exercise.
>>His diet should include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, sprouts, high-fibre cereals. His should have 8-10 glasses of water a day.
>>30-60 minutes of low-impact activity like walking, swimming or cycling daily is recommended.
>>Deep breathing helps a person relax. He should also include yoga and deep breathing exercises two-three days per week to increase flexibility and de-stress. |
(Inputs by Sanjeev Devasia) |
