By IANS,
Kolkata : Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee works out on the treadmill daily to remain fit and keeps chocolates on the dashboard of her car for children as she jumps headlong into a gruelling campaign schedule for the coming Lok Sabha poll.
In the heat and dust of canvassing, Banerjee relaxes her body and mind by listening to songs in the car and trying to catch up with some sleep.
“I love all kinds of songs – be it those of Tagore or Nazrul Islam, or modern Bengali songs. They have a soothing effect on me and I feel fresh,” Banerjee said in an interactive programme on the Bengali news channel Star Ananda.
Banerjee, who is the main challenger of the communists long entrenched in power in West Bengal, said she practices yoga daily to overcome body aches. “To keep fit, I work on the treadmill every morning. It is a stress-buster for me. Whenever I get time, I walk briskly. I also do lot of yogic exercises.”
Asked about her diet during the campaign, the firebrand leader said she eats small portions but is fond of fried vegetables. “I don’t keep my stomach empty. I take rice only once. I am also fond of puffed rice and potato fries.”
She keeps away from meat and milk, but loves eggs and takes one cucumber every day. “I also have yoghurt once in a day”.
The dashboard of Banerjee’s car is full of small but necessary items she needs for the long travel hours, hopping from one constituency to another.
“I carry some chocolates. This is for the children, who often come near me. But I also must admit that I have a sweet tooth too,” she said.