Bhubaneswar: Holi holds a special significance for politicians. But this year’s Holi proved a perfect ambience for politicians of all hues in State to give a kick start to the poll campaign of their respective parties ahead of the crucial 2019 elections.
Odisha Congress workers were more enthusiastic this year. It seems the pep-up has come from the restructuring the party has undergone to get battle ready. The Holi celebrations at State headquarters here were led by Bhubaneswar District Congress President Manas Choudhry.
“The party’s enthusiasm will be seen in the 2019 elections. We will fight the polls in harmony and for brotherhood,” said Manas Choudhry.
Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray celebrated Holi in his own style at party office; whereas Veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra celebrated the festival with party workers in Bolangir. “Holi is a festival of brotherhood’, said Narasingha.
And true to Holi’s colourful frame, the party office saw an unexpected political guest – CPM leader Janardan Pati – whose party has recently tied up with Congress to fight 2019 polls. However, Pati refused to see any political motive in joining the Holi celebrations at Congress Office. “The Holi camaraderie should extend to every social sphere and there is nothing political about it,” he added.
Though the Holi fervour was missing at BJP State Headquarter here in Bhubaneswar, the Sambalpur Party office was dipped in the festivities. Party’s senior leader and National Secretary Suresh Pujari and senior leader Jaynarayan Mishra played Holi with party workers and supporters.
“Holi should have been celebrated for full 365 days. The inspiration of Holi could lent a positive direction to society”, observed Suresh Pujari.
“This is festival of colour, we just want to immerse in colours,” said Jaynarayan Mishra.
Keonjhar BJP candidate Ananta Naik gave an auspicious start to his poll campaigning by visiting the famous Tarini Shrine today. BJP candidate Manmohan Samal from Chandbali and Bhrugu Baxipatra from Berhampur were also seen enjoying the festival of colours.
However, the BJD State Office on the other hand wore a deserted look as BJD supremo and CM Naveen Patnaik had announced not to celebrate Holi as a tribute to the Pulwama martyrs. But this didn’t deter the party leaders soaking in Holi fervour.
Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda celebrated Holi at his residence. “It’s very rewarding to see the enthusiasm among people in celebrating Holi,” said Panda.
Senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma said Holi is a great festival. The tradition of the fest inspires one and all to forget everything and get immersed in the gaiety of colours.