Bengal leaders participate in riot of colours

It was a riot of colours for different political leaders and a great opportunity to reach out to the people ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday as West Bengal celebrated Holi -- or "Dol Jatra" as it is called in this part of the country.

Political faces celebrated the day with traditional fervour through songs, dances and prayers.

If Trinamool Congress' Birbhum candidate Satabdi Roy participated in prayer and a colourful procession smearing 'green colour', CPI-M candidate from Kolkata North Kaninika Ghosh was busy in wall painting for her campaign while mixing with everyone soaked in 'red colour'.

Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, however, didn't take part in the festivities as she sent a strong political message on the occasion.

"Holiday greetings to all. May your life be filled with colours of joy and happiness. Your enjoyment should not bring sorrow to someone else. In memory of slain jawans in Pulwama attack and other brave martyrs, I have decided not to participate in Holi festivities this year," she tweeted.

State Power Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay came out on the streets of Bhawanipur smearing colours, singing and sharing a self-written poem "Rong diye jao" dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.

"This festival unites people of all cultures," Chattopadhyay said. Sharing a bright hued image, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Babul Supriyo tweeted: "Wishing you all a very Happy Holi."

Several candidates and leaders of the Trinamool celebrated the festival of colour. Sreerampur constituency nominee Kalyan Bandopadhyay broke into a jig, while Howrah candidate Prasun Banerjee, along with State Minister Laxmi Ratan Shukla, participated in "Dahi-Handi" with the locals.