AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI (TIP): Narendra Modi prefers a light Gujarati meal in the evening, Rahul Gandhi gorges on chocolates and diabetic Arvind Kejriwal opts for digestive biscuits — amid a gruelling election campaign, politicians cope with hunger pangs in their own ways. Modi is a frugal eater and avoids meals at unknown places, an aide reveals.

“He favours light Gujarati food prepared by his cook. Usually he opts for a simple khichdi diet in the evening. And he prefers lemonade when travelling. These days he is on a nine-day fast for Chaitri Navratri and drinks only warm water with lime,” he says. On the other hand, Rahul doesn’t mind skipping breakfast and on occasion has been happy to make do with readyto-eat noodles, according to an article in the daily Mint.

“To stay hydrated during his hectic travel, he sips on diet colas or lemon juice. But it is chocolates he’s really fond of and that keeps his energy levels up,” the article says. That aside, “he loves coastal Indian dishes, vegetarian and non-vegetarian ,” says the article. Whenever Kejriwal is in Delhi, his wife packs him a lunch box. The menu varies but the AAP leader’s food is non-spicy as he cannot handle chillies.

“During the day, his team tries to ensure he has juice and fruits but there is no fixed routine. Often, he has to stop by at homes of volunteers to have lunch but it has to be simple food,” a source close to Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, 43, is fond of moong dal and munches on roasted chana and digestive biscuits due to his sugar problem. “He has been avoiding cold drinks but if he has to drink something cold, he prefers a diet cola,” he said. The three leaders have varying health regimes. The 63-year-old PM candidate for BJP is considered overweight (around 90 kilos).

But Modi is particular about fitness. His day begins between 4.30am and 5am. He enjoys a session of yoga, pranayam and morning walk in the garden of his Gandhinagar residence. “By 7.30am, he’s ready,” says an aide. These days, his schedule is tied to the campaign. With at least four rallies every day, he often leaves home by 7.30am and reads media reports and important files on his way. He usually works till 1am. Despite a hectic schedule, Modi prefers to return to his residence at the end of the day.

“He likes to be home every night,” says the aide. The much-younger Rahul enjoys an evening run. “He runs on pre-planned routes wherever he stays while campaigning, even if he’s halted at a village. In Delhi, he takes lessons in aikido and goes swimming or cycling,” says the Mint report. Aikido is a form of Japanese martial arts. Kejriwal enjoys yoga and does vipasana whenever he gets time. “These days he wakes up around 6-7 am and goes to bed between midnight and 1am,” a source said.