Chennai: They are battling each other on the ground, but they’ve found common ground in one opponent — Tamil Nadu’s scorching heat.On Sunday, PMK founder S Ramadoss fainted during an election campaign rally in Salem. Initial reports suggest the 86-year-old collapsed due to severe heat.Just days before that, AIADMK candidate Elamathi Subramanian fainted while campaigning in Thanjavur’s Vannakudi constituency was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors confirmed heat exhaustion. “After the incident, we are careful about her health especially because she doesn’t want to reduce campaigning points. We ensure she has lemon juice with salt and sugar, enough water and avoids meat,” says Elamathi’s friend P Udhayachandrika.Candidates across party lines are taking several precautions to battle the heat. Chief minister M K Stalin is sticking to homemade juices, fibre-rich meals and strict portion control to sustain long hours without fatigue. “He follows a strict dietary principle: never approach food overly hungry, never leave overly full. Smaller portions and hydration, he says, are key to sustaining long hours of campaigning,” says Dr Ezhilan Naganathan, candidate for Thousand Lights assembly constituency. Naganathan has taken a more ‘fluid’ approach. “I drink four litres of fluids, including tender coconut and electrolyte mixes,” he says.His opponent B Valarmathi is fighting dehydration the traditional way. Valarmathi’s day begins with pazhaya kanji — two tumblers of fermented rice known for its cooling properties. She avoids eating through the late morning stretch, pushing through door-to-door canvassing before breaking at 11.30am for tender coconut water and curd rice. “A single cup of coffee at 4pm is my only other intake, along with about two bottles of water through the day,” she says.AIADMK sources say for general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, it’s two idlis a day that keep dehydration at bay. “He eats little and hydrates a lot while campaigning. Just two idlis or food from home or from the district secretary’s house,” says a source. Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin contesting in Chepauk-Triplicane also avoids non-vegetarian and spicy food during the campaign days. “Marches are shorter, slower and strategically timed,” says a party functionary. Campaign hours are also split — early mornings (7am to 11am and late evenings 6pm to 9pm), heavy, spicy meals are out. Parties also advise volunteers to take care of themselves. “We have been asked to carry ORS sachets, ensure shaded halts, and keep a close watch on elderly voters and cadres. We ask those above 60 to avoid campaigns,” says M Maharajan, a DMK cadre in Mylapore.
