Fitness challenge: How PM Modi can politically gain from the exercise

The orchestrated exercise is not about a self-indulgent PM's exercise but has political objectives: it packages him as healthy at 67 and showcases him someone rooted in ancient Hindu traditions

Watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi wade through patches of water and walk gingerly over pebbles, gravel, mud and grass before sprawling on a rock in a 1.48 minute video unleashed on the nation, viewers might well ask why the Prime Minister felt compelled to publicise his morning routine.
 
Modi then tagged police officers, film stars and sportspersons into his fitness challenge. That covers all those with any social capital to invest. But as in any Ponzi scheme, only the man at the top of the pyramid reaps a profit. While those down the food chain are given hope, it