Kerala candidates swear by gruel to beat the heat

The election fever has already gripped Kerala and it is the humble bowl of kanji or rice gruel that wins the unanimous vote of the candidates. The candidates vouch for the refreshing power of the rice gruel during the blazing summer. At Thrissur, the candidates representing both the alliances begin their day by having kanji for breakfast.

LDF candidate Rajaji Mathew prefers rice for lunch while T N Prathapan, representing UDF, would happily have kanji for lunch and dinner as well. Prathapan would take a quick shower in the noon to beat the heat. However, Rajaji Mathew admits that he hardly finds time to take shower in between his hectic schedules of campaigning.

The candidates realise that the summer is hitting harsh this time with the temperatures soaring. Rajaji Mathew has admitted to being exhausted while campaigning in an open vehicle. He carries 4-5 bottles of boiled water flavoured with tulsi, when he sets out from his house for a busy day of election campaign.

Besides bottles of boiled water, he also carries fruits like oranges and bananas to refresh the body. After a hectic day of intense election campaigning and numerous meetings, his dinner would be hot dosas from a wayside thattukada (makeshift eateries). He likes to wind up his day with a relaxing and elaborate bath at his house before retiring to bed.

An avid fan of kanji, Prathapan carries salted rice water to energize his body. He, too, carries oranges with him all the time. If the party workers offer him some juice, he instructs them not to add ice in it. He manages to take a shower in the noon to keep him fresh and cool for the rest of the day.