Bengal leaders celebrate Holi

Politicians cutting across party lines Sunday came out on to the streets smeared in colours in their bid to reach out to the people as West Bengal celebrated Holi - or Dol Jatra as it is called in this part of the world.

If Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who is also the Lok Sabha candidate from Hooghly's Sreerampur, started off his poll campaign during the day, Subhashini Ali of the Communist Party of India-marxist (CPI-M) used the occasion to get close and personal with the people of her Barrackpore constituency in North 24 Parganas.

"Dol (Holi) has been an auspicious day for me. I started off my poll campaign in 2009 on this day and I have done it this year as well," said Kalyan Banerjee, throwing gulal (colour) on his supporters and party workers.

Ali said: "For me, it's an opportunity to get closer to the people, to be a part of their celebrations and enjoy the rich cultural heritage that the country and Bengal is famous for."

Actor-turned-politicians Tapas Pal from Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Howrah, actor George Baker, too joined the fun and frolic spraying colours on people in their respective areas.

Baker's rival from the constituency and former India football captain Prasun Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress too was all daubed in colours.

Trinamool Congress legislator Sovandeb Chattopadhyay was seen breaking into an impromptu jig while celebrating the festival of colours.