Naveen's 'no' to Holi in view of Pulwama attack; others

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik refrained from activities relating to Holi in view of the Pulwama terror attack, the festival of colours was celebrated by politicians ahead of the upcoming twin elections in the state Friday.

A statement released by the Chief Minister's Office said Patnaik did not celebrate Holi as a mark of respect to over 40 jawans who were killed in the terror attack on February 14.

The chief minister, however, greeted the people on Holi.

Taking to microblogging site Twitter, Patnaik, also BJD president, extended his greeting in Odia language.

Other BJD leaders, however, celebrated the festival.

Minister Ashok Chandra Panda and former minister Sanjay Dasburma, Amar Satpathy and others enjoyed Holi.

The festival was also celebrated at the state Congress headquarters here where senior leaders including former minister Suresh Routray participated.

CPI(M) leader and the party's Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat candidate Janardan Pati attended the Holi programme at the Congress Bhavan.

Pati is being supported by the Congress.

The celebration at the state BJP headquarters could not be held as a section of party workers blocked the road leading to it. They have been protesting denial of BJP ticket to certain leaders.

Senior BJP leaders like Suresh Pujari and Jaynarayan Mishra celebrated Holi in Sambalpur.