Ram Vilas Paswan enjoys lunch with party members at LJP headquarters in Patna. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Aug. 31: Eldest among the political troika of Bihar, Ram Vilas Paswan looks younger than his “friend” Lalu Prasad and “foe” Nitish Kumar. The evergreen LJP chief’s fitness secret is regular workout. But he simply cannot do without Chinese food.

Paswan’s day begins early with two raw garlics. After gulping them, he goes out on a walk, followed by some more sweating on the treadmill.

The LJP boss’s fitness module doesn’t end here. He then gets on to a 45-minute yoga session and has six almonds before he gets on for his day’s work.

After this gruelling fitness regime, Paswan is bound to look young, towering and bright. The LJP chief is the oldest of the “three musketeers” of Bihar politics, someone who was elected an MLA way back in 1969, when RJD boss Lalu Prasad and chief minister Nitish, the other two political stalwarts, were not even in the picture. But Paswan, despite his age, looks fresh and likes to change with trends.

His dresses vary from stamped kurta-pyjamas, the signature style of Indian politicians, to bandhgalas and suits.

Paswan told The Telegraph that his secret of staying fit was regular exercise, yoga, meditation and healthy food. Many look in disbelief learning that Paswan was born in 1946, Lalu Prasad in 1947 and Nitish in 1951.

“You have to stay fit. Considering the hectic lifestyle we lead, it is very important. I really work hard for that,” Paswan said.

Exercise is important, he said adding that he ensures that he never misses it.

“Whenever I am in Delhi, I get up at 5.30am and have two cloves of raw garlic. It helps in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and increases your immune power. I walk for 45 minutes at the lawn. If I miss it, I make it a point to walk or jog on the treadmill. Sometimes I love to do both,” Paswan said.

According to him, politics never comes to his mind when he is working out. “No, I don’t even look at the morning newspapers before I am done with my workout. You can’t change which has already been printed. I don’t take stress before that,” he said.

Once done with the jogging, he practises yoga. “The session lasts for another 45 minutes, which includes stretching and breathing exercises. After yoga, I take six almonds and a glass of water. Only then I turn to the newspapers, take and make calls,” Paswan added.

The politician loves light breakfast consisting of chapatis and a simple curry.

“I am fond of simple dehati food. But I also love the Chinese cuisine. When my friends invite me for dinner, I stress for Chinese food. I love it. I don’t visit five-star hotels often. I avoid mutton and my food mainly consists of rice, pulses, chicken or fish. Litti-chokha is one of my favourites too,” he said.

Paswan said he had a fancy for bandhgalas.

“I do wear kurta-pyjamas. But I like bandhgalas more. But to wear it, one has to be in shape. You have to look smart wearing it and for that exercise is a must,” said the LJP chief before disappearing into his house.