Sources say the fitter, leaner BJP chief has been advising his party colleagues to follow his strict regimen, but not many have been able to keep up.
New Delhi: BJP leaders are used to taking political cues from party president Amit Shah. But now, they’re getting weight-loss advice from him as well – after all, without the ‘magic’ of bariatric surgery, and through completely natural means, Shah has managed to lose about 20 kg.
The fitter, leaner Shah is often heard advising his colleagues to take good care of their health, according to highly-placed sources in the BJP. But very few have so far taken his advice on this front seriously, preferring merely to smile and nod their heads.
The few who have followed his path are finding it difficult to keep up, because Shah has drawn up a tough regimen for himself. Sources say Shah suffers from diabetes, and for years, many advised him to reduce his weight. Some say Baba Ramdev even tried to teach him a few yoga asanas. But the BJP president only began focusing on getting fit about a year ago, and decided to drastically alter his lifestyle.
Now, even during election season when he keeps a busy schedule, Shah is able to at least maintain his weight.
The regimen
One decision that helped Shah was to stop having dinner after 7.30 pm. He is said to believe that late night dinners are responsible for gaining weight, and should be avoided at any cost.
Step two is a healthy, hearty breakfast. Unlike many who suggest that rice and wheat should not be eaten together in any form, Shah does not mind the combination. He has, however, reduced his sugar intake drastically.
Sources said he starts his mornings with Patanjali’s giloy-amla juice, and then, without fail, goes for a morning walk.
“Wherever he might be, he ensures he sticks to his morning walk. If that’s not possible for some reason, like if he’s campaigning or something, he will find a way to burn the calories,” a source said.
Shah also tries to stick to his diet routine. A senior minister once said that he travels with food in his vehicle, and if he knows he will be delayed on the campaign trail, he eats and then gets back to work.