Visakhapatnam: As the poll battle heads towards the climax, there’s only one issue that is taking the centrestage — the heat wave. This is turning out to be quite a challenge but the netas seem to be taking it in their stride.
On Friday last, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan suffered a heat str-oke in Vizag during his election campaign and was admitted to a private hospital in Vijaya-wada where he recuperated. “Pawan garu suffered dehydration becau-se he had not eaten food and was under strain because of the chaotic schedule and travel,” explained former Asse-mbly Speaker Nadendla Manohar, a Jana Sena leader.
The soaring temperature is not holding back poll managers from easing up on their campaigns. Although doctors advised Mr Pawan rest for a few days, he resisted and decided to resu-me his campaign at Ten-ali and Sattenapalli the next day.
Mr Pawan isn’t the only leader to resume his campaign after being felled by the heat. TD leader and minister Bhuma Akhila Priya recently suffered a sun stroke during her campaign. Doctors treated her at her residence in Allagadda. After a few days rest, she resumed her campaign.
YSRC Nellore MLA Ra-mireddy Pratap Kumar Reddy and TD MLA Bode Prasad too suffered a sun stroke while campaigning. They recovered quickly and hit the campaign trail.
Political strategist Kukkadapu Phani Bhushan says he always tells leaders to observe caution on the campaign trail. “Since coastal areas are high on humidity, we suggest contestants carry pocket-friendly water bottles (200 ml) to prevent dehydration. These leaders are constantly on the move. We also tell them to carry badam packets and badam milk for instant energy. If leaders have a break in their schedules, they can have a quick bite,” Mr Bhushan said.
Debutant Harish Math-ur, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker late G.M.C. Balayogi, the TD Parliamentary candidate from Amalapuram, who has never been part of any poll campaign, states that he had to discover great endurance within himself. “I haven’t followed any specific diet plan but I knew the campaign would be very tough. So I was ensuring I consumed water, lime water and coconuts to stay hydrated. When I tour the interiors, I caught up with party leaders for lunch meets. In urban areas I stayed in the hotel to eat food, but I also used that time to meet party leaders,” Mr Mathur said.
He added that it was the response from the crowd that kept him going. “Nothing gives you more energy than the crowd’s response. They have been showing great solidarity and I shall be grateful to th-em,” Mr Mathur added.
It is indeed heartening to see netas showing a lot of commitment and intent towards their ca-mpaign. They are keen to visit every constituency and meet people during this significant hour.
YSRC Nandyal Assembly seat nominee Silpa Ravi Chandra Kishore says that his experience while actively being part of party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s padayatra and later holding meetings with party leaders came in handy.
“I had an understanding on what it takes to campaign in this hot summer. I believe a leader should always be prepared for any uncertainties and lead by example. Moreover, my fitness keeps me going. I do exercise on a regular basis,” Mr Kishore said. He added, “By the time we come back, it is very late. I do take breaks whenever possible and have liquids and solid food constantly.”
Preparing for political campaigns and addressing a huge gathering itself is a huge task, particularly for the leaders who are in their mid-50s.
Mr Dronamraju Srini-vas, 54, YSRC Assembly candidate from Visakha-patam South, admits the trouble faced during the campaign.
“It takes a lot to addr-ess gatherings and move swiftly from one place to the other. Considering the significance of this election, it is only inev-itable that we remain as enthused as possible. Visits from party leaders like Y.S. Jagan gives us the required filip,” Mr Srinivas said.
Another debutant, Sri Bharath, Vizag MP candidate from TD, says that he is not following any specific diet. He is willing to take almost everything that is offered during his campaigning.
“I think experience of campaigning in the past has helped me. The strong focus on the target and inspiration from both grandfathers drives me forward. I have big shoes to fill, it is important for me that I put in my 100 per cent effort. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity to serve people. The difficulties of campaigning and other adverse conditions pale in comparison to the mental responsibilities I feel ahead,” he explains.
