Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will keep away from Holi celebrations this year too due to the drought in the State.
Notably, the Chief Minister has been skipping the festival of colours for last two years. last year, Patnaik did not meet his party leaders as well as well-wishers who had gathered at the Naveen Niwas in large numbers.
However, no specific reason was cited by the Chief Minister’s Office for his refraining from the celebrations.
In 2014 too, Naveen had not participated in the Holi celebrations due to cyclone Phailin which had claimed 21 lives in 2013.
The gate of the Naveen Niwas, the CM’s residence, would be closed for the day, sources said.