bengaluru the rough and tumble of electioneering can be daunting for anyone but ahead of elections aged and ageing heavyweights of major political parties have plunged into campaigning with gustokarnatakas political biggies most are above 60 years are battling one or more health issues and have contracted covid19 at least once but none of them would like to appear weak or in ill health while promising voters a better future they are taking care to ensure they appear fit despite gruelling daysa typical campaign day stretches 18 hours most of which is spent on the road regardless of climatic conditions however sizzling temperatures and the flu season have made managing health extremely challengingbharat bommai says his father chief minister basavaraj bommai 63 sleeps for only four hours he used to travel extensively before his present responsibility bharat said he has a knack for power naps during journeys and remains fresh he enjoys staying busy so work is a pleasure for him concurring with bharatdr mk sudarshan community health expert said since most politicians like bommai enjoy public attention being among crowds is therapeutic but precautions should be taken to avoid infection it is important for those above 60 years and those suffering comorbidities he saidbommai a diabetic follows a strict diet regime and is particular about home food an official from the cms office said family members pack food and medicines in the morning and a gunman in his convoy carries itthe bigger issue however is his niggling knee ailment diagnosis revealed cartilage erosion a natural wearandtear associated with ageing while this does not call for surgery bommai regularly undergoes physiotherapydoctors say adequate restand physiotherapy is the only remedy taking rest is a luxury so he relies on physiotherapy bharat saidformer chief minister bs yediyurappa 80 also suffers from agerelated ailments and diabetes an early riser he walks for at least an hour in the morning even while campaigning he takes medication before setting out and ensures he eats on time a personal staffer saidyediyurappas favourite relaxation is watching cricket and kannada movies during electioneering recently he has been watching puneeth rajkumars movies said sunil gs another aideforegoes nonveg foodcongress legislature party leader siddaramaiah 75 is agile although he is diabetic and suffers from hypertension his personal physician dr h ravikumar said siddaramaiahs blood sugar levels had fluctuated when he contracted covid19 twice but his sugar and bp are under control nowsiddaramaiah had undergone angioplasty earlier and has had his gallbladder removed while he loves naati chicken he has turned vegetarian for the election season he follows a strict diet even replacing white rice with redhe will continue with vegetarian food till elections while he walks regularly and does yoga his routine has been hampered by elections said bs shivanna an aidekpcc president dk shivakumar 60 is known for his hectic lifestyle that has taken a toll on his sleep pattern although suffering from diabetes and thyroid issues shivakumar manages his health with a strict regimenhe watches his