Power hungry HDK turns vegetarian, loses 12 kg in 6 months

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has forsaken his favourite ‘naati koli saaru’ and fish curry, to become a strict vegetarian His father H D Deve Gowda’s astrologer believes that Kumaraswamy will suffer from serious health ailments, if he fails to take care of himself Kumaraswamy himself feels that his body has begun to take a toll over the last many months He plans to hire a cook, who can accompany him during his travels

A voracious meat eater until six months ago, JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy today is a “pure vegetarian” - well almost. Upon his doctor’s insistence of a protein intake, he consumes boiled egg whites every now and then. 

For somebody who loved his ‘naati koli saaru’ and fish curry, Kumaraswamy says that ever since he gave up eating meat, he is revolted even by the sight of non-vegetarian food. He says that thanks to a strict millet based vegetarian diet, he has lost 12kg in the last few months. At 97 kg presently, Kumaraswamy aims at losing seven more kilograms in the next two months.

While he consumes millet based ‘idli’, ‘dosa’, ‘pongal’ and the like for breakfast, for lunch, Kumaraswamy said that he consumes ‘ragi balls’. He winds up his day with a single ‘chapathi’ and veggies, which is washed down by a big glass of buttermilk.  

Speaking to Asianet Newsable, Kumaraswamy said that this shift in his diet was sudden. “I woke up one fine day and decided that I wanted to quit eating non-vegetarian food. Now I am so used to a complete vegetarian diet that I can’t stand meat if it is put in front of me. I had even forsaken egg. But during a recent health check-up, my doctor advised me that I increase my protein intake. So I occasionally consume boiled egg whites,” he said. 

It’s no secret that Kumaraswamy too nurses the ambition of becoming Karnataka’s next chief minister. In a bid to bring his party back to power, he has been travelling extensively across the State, especially in the North Karnataka districts.
The 57-year-old former chief minister is a diabetic. Ten years ago he even underwent an open heart surgery. But despite the health scares, Kumaraswamy had not paid much attention towards incorporating lifestyle changes.

“In three years, I am going to turn 60. My body cannot handle the stress levels it used to ten years ago. The continuous travels has taken a toll on my body. Last month alone, I travelled around 8,000 km across the State. Next month, I will reinitiate my ‘grama vastavya’ programme. I plan to cover villages in 50 taluks in the next 50 days. Through these travels, I want to invite the farmers to participate in the biggest farmer rally that I want to host in Vijayapura on October 2. Given the hectic schedule, I will not be able to follow a proper diet. Hence I have decided to take a cook along with me during these travels,” he added. 

In a bid to stay both mentally and physically fit, Kumaraswamy said that he has also started practising yoga for about 45 minutes everyday. About three years ago, Kumaraswamy had quit consuming non-vegetarian food after his doctors advised him. He had even taken to spending two hours in the gym, with his son Nikhil Gowda himself training him. But like most people, he too couldn’t keep pace with the strict health regime, he said.  

While his wife, Anitha Kumaraswamy kept asking him to pay attention to his health, Kumaraswamy said that his father, H D Deve Gowda too would regularly air his concerns.The JD(S) supremo himself has been a staunch vegetarian for the last 40 years. 

“My father believes in astrology a lot. He is worried that my health will give way at a crucial juncture, if I don’t take good care. He keeps cautioning me that I need to be careful - for, it will be futile if something happens to me after I come to power. I have too realised that if I am not fit and healthy, there is no point to all this hard work. For, it is evident that the people want to give me the opportunity,” he said.

Kumaraswamy said that Deve Gowda gave up meat eating after the death of his father (Kumaraswamy’s grandfather). “My father gave up non-vegetarian food when my grandfather died in 1978. As my grandfather used to love meat, my father decided to make a sacrifice. It’s a custom we practice in my community, especially when one loses his/her parent,” he added.

For now, Kumaraswamy says that he is in good health. “Aside from an occasional viral fever and cough, I am doing fine. It’s just that my immunity is too low. I am easily prone to infections and allergies,” he added. Well, here’s hoping that the former chief minister sticks to his diet regime and fulfils his father’s wishes of once again ascending the seat of power!