Bengaluru: A year ago, he crossed a line here, admitting that he'd had a meal of nati koli before he entered the hallowed precincts of the Dharmasthala. But here he is now, the former chief minister of the state, Siddaramaiah, detoxing, cooling off after what must have been the most gruelling months of his political career — two kilos lighter and much lighter in spirit too?
Two months of hard campaigning and a poor show in the assembly poll at the end of it that almost cost the Congress the government, can be hard to take. For former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah the balm is being provided by a nature cure centre in Dharmastala.
And it appears to be doing him good. Four days into the treatment at the SDM Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital in Shanthivana and he is a changed man, slimmer and less haggard.
Checking into the nature cure hospital on June 17, Mr Siddaramaiah was put on a strict diet and has already lost 2 kgs. The regular meditation and pranayama has reduced his sleep apnea as well , going by his doctors.
Five teams are monitoring the mind, body and diet therapies he is on and the former Chief Minister is doing one hour of yoga every day, they reveal. “He is being taught basic yoga postures and so his body has become flexible now. We have been able to cleanse him of toxins through regular body massages and water therapy. He is also taking mud baths, steaming and oil baths. His diet food includes sprouts, salads, boiled vegetables, fruits and chapathi,” said Chief Medical Officer of the nature cure hospital, Dr. Prashanth Shetty , adding, “ We strictly advise his supporters and Congress workers not to disturb him during his stay here as it is meant to help him recover from mental and physical stress.”
Mr. Siddaramaiah has himself admitted to feeling more relaxed since the treatment. He is reported to have told his doctors that although he was mentally relaxed after resigning as Chief Minister, he was physically tired owing to the many sleepless nights and irregular food of the last few months, but the treatment was making him physically fit.
This is clearly a very different man from the one who received brickbats on his visit to the Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple on October 22 last year for enjoying his favourite meal of nati koli and fish fry before entering it. He is not even close to enjoying it at the nature cure centre which has placed strict restrictions on his diet.
