New Delhi: In the corridors of power where high-stakes decisions shape the nation's future, India's Home Minister Amit Shah begins each day with remarkable simplicity: a plate of poha topped with crunchy sev, accompanied by refreshing lemon juice. This unpretentious breakfast, a staple since his childhood, has become an unexpected constant in the life of one of India's most influential political figures.
The Morning Ritual
Long before sunrise illuminates the capital, when most of Delhi still slumbers, Shah is already awake. Known for his grueling 16-hour workdays managing the complex Home Ministry portfolio, his morning begins with this light yet energizing combination that has remained unchanged despite his rise through India's political ranks.
"The consistency matters more than complexity," notes political analyst Rajiv Sharma, who has observed India's leadership patterns for decades. "For someone managing national security, interstate relations, and countless other responsibilities, starting the day with familiar, reliable nourishment creates at least one certainty in an otherwise unpredictable schedule."
The poha-sev combination isn't merely a matter of taste for Shah—it represents a practical approach to sustenance. The flattened rice flakes (poha) provide complex carbohydrates that release energy gradually throughout the morning, while the chickpea flour-based sev adds protein and the characteristic crunch that makes this humble dish satisfying. The splash of lemon juice not only enhances flavor but adds vitamin C to strengthen immunity.
From Gujarat to Delhi: A Culinary Constant
Shah's preference for poha-sev traces back to his upbringing in Gujarat, where variations of this dish feature prominently in regional cuisine. What began as a childhood habit has evolved into a dietary cornerstone that has followed him from his early days in the RSS, through his tenure as Gujarat's Home Minister, to the national spotlight in Delhi.
During his extensive travels across India's diverse states for political campaigns and administrative work, Shah reportedly seeks out local establishments serving this familiar breakfast. Security personnel and advance teams have become accustomed to locating food joints that can prepare his preferred morning meal, regardless of the region.
A restaurant owner in Nagpur, who requested anonymity, recalls Shah visiting his establishment during an election tour. "We were told beforehand about his preference for poha with sev. He ate quietly, complimented the preparation, and seemed particularly pleased that we served it with fresh lemon juice on the side."
Disciplined Simplicity
This breakfast choice aligns with Shah's reputation for disciplined living. Close associates describe how this meal exemplifies his broader approach to daily life: practical, unfussy, and effective. The lightness of the breakfast particularly suits his demanding schedule, providing nourishment without heaviness that might slow him down during morning meetings.
"In politics, every hour counts," explains former bureaucrat Mahesh Joshi, who has worked with various ministries. "Leaders like Shah can't afford food coma or digestive discomfort. Their dietary choices are sometimes strategic decisions themselves."
Shah's preference for starting his day with this traditional combination rather than adopting trendier breakfast options reflects his roots in Indian tradition and his practical nature. While many politicians have embraced Western breakfast staples or elaborate multi-course morning meals, Shah's loyalty to poha-sev stands out for its simplicity.
The Health Aspect
Nutritionists note that Shah's breakfast choice aligns well with modern dietary recommendations, despite its traditional origins. "Poha provides complex carbohydrates, while sev adds protein. The combination with lemon juice improves iron absorption," explains nutritionist Dr. Meena Patel. "For someone with Shah's schedule, it's actually quite balanced—light yet sustaining."
This nutritional profile becomes particularly relevant considering the Home Minister's health journey. After dealing with health challenges in recent years, Shah has reportedly become more conscious about maintaining energy levels throughout his demanding day without compromising his health.
Beyond Breakfast: A Symbol
In India's political landscape, where leaders' personal habits often become symbolic extensions of their public personas, Shah's breakfast preference represents consistency and rootedness. Unlike some politicians who project their lifestyle choices as carefully crafted image statements, Shah's breakfast routine appears refreshingly devoid of calculation.
"There's something telling about a leader who hasn't changed his breakfast in decades, despite having access to the finest cuisine," notes political commentator Sanjay Mishra. "It suggests a person who knows what works for him and sees no reason to change simply because his circumstances have."
As morning cabinet meetings commence and national security briefings begin, it's this simple plate of poha-sev and glass of lemon juice that fuels the strategic thinking of India's Home Minister—a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful people maintain the simplest habits.
Whether at a local eatery during campaign stops or in Delhi between meetings, Shah's breakfast choice remains a small but significant window into the disciplined routine that powers one of India's most influential political careers.
