Odisha CM skips Holi

Odisha Chief Minister and president of the ruling regional outfit the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Naveen Patnaik decided not to play Holi on Monday extending his support to the thousands of people who had suffered during the Cyclone Phailin last October. 

Several districts in southern and coastal region of the state were severely affected by the catastrophe and the worst hit among them was Ganjam, Patnaik’s home district. Normalcy is yet to return in some parts of the southern district. 

Being election time, a number of party leaders and activists had rushed to Naveen Niwas, Patnaik’s residence near the city airport on Monday morning, to convey their Holi greetings.

 They were disappointed when the security and other staff member of the chief minister told them about Patnaik’s decision. He, however, wished the people across the state on the special occasion. “All best wishes for everybody on Holi,” he said in a statement. 

Many of his other party colleges had no such hesitations and were seen enjoying the festival of colours in their respective residences. Senior leaders of the state Congress usually gather at Congress Bhawan, the state party headquarters every Holi to celebrate the occasion. However, this year it was different.