Bhubaneswar: With the general polls only weeks away, politicians cutting across party lines on Monday took a break from politics and joined the citizens to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours.
Leaders of ruling BJD celebrated the festival with much fanfare and joy.
With colour applied on their faces, the party's MLA Sanjay Das Burma, ministers Kalpataru Das and Arun Sahoo were seen engrossed in the celebrations.
"Those who know the meaning of the festival they are celebrating. I wish Holi brings happiness to all," said a visibly happy Kalpataru.
The minister also hinted many people were aspiring to get a BJD ticket.
However, BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik stayed away from the festival. He announced he would not celebrate Holi in view of the devastation caused by cyclone Phailin.
Congress leaders and workers celebrated the festival at Congress Bhawan here. Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray said, "This is a day of brotherhood and love. Congress workers are celebrating the festival with joy."
He hoped his party would do well in the ensuing polls.
Other political leaders were also seen in the celebratory mood.
BJP general secretary in charge of the state Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Holi is a symbol of win of good over evil. I pray to the almighty in the coming days Odisha become more progressive and prosperous."
Similarly, Governor Dr SC Jamir and his wife celebrated Holi with people at Raj Bhavan here.