UP politicians leave brainstorming sessions to meet voters on Holi

Lucknow, Mar 3 (UNI) Holi, the festival of colours, in Uttar Pradesh seems to have given the political leaders time-off to interact with the electorate and to kick off their electioneering for the seven phases assembly poll in April-May.

Taking a short break from brainstorming and strategy sessions, politicians have rushed back to their respective constituencies to meet workers and electorate on the festival.

''Holi is short break, when we can interact with our workers and share their joy...the long election period would keep us and them away from home,'' said a Congress general secretary.

While most of the places, the festival would be celebrated tomorrow, but in some places of east UP, including Gorakphur and other adjoining places would observe it on Monday on the directions issued by the Gorakhnath Peeth.

Political leaders, making full use of the festival, have already reached their respective constitutuencies or 'karma kshatra', as they love to call it.

Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has already reached his native place Safai in Etawah and is expected to return here tomorrow evening.

Similarly, several other leaders are in their constituencies and are activitly participating in the festival. A Samajwadi Party leader, and minister, said he prefers to meet his electorate in the evening. ''I am scared of the chemicals added in the colours...last time around I returned home with a torn T-shirt.'' Meanwhile, Election Commission is keeping a close watch on the activities of the political leaders who might violate model code of conduct during the festival.

In western UP, some leaders have organised 'Holi milan' programmes by inviting dancers from Mumbai while others have -- on the sly -- organised cocktail parties for their workers. Cocktails also include 'bhang', which has official validity on the occasion.

A senior political party leader told UNI that most of the desirable candidates for the assembly polls are leaving no stone unturned firstly to garner maximum strength of workers. The workers would, in turn, gather votes.

''Any festival is a good opportunity for these leaders to appease the voters by distributing liquor or giving hefty donations for the Holi Milan programme,'' the leader claimed.

But the festival has created additional problems for the police.

With elections around, police is not taking any chances to allow inter-gang clashes take on a communal colour. In Lucknow, an additional district magistrate (ADM) will lead the traditional Holi procession to ensure law and order.

The recent riots in east UP, especially Gorakhpur and Mau, are a cause of concern for the administration.

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