MLAs to play Holi on Gujarat assembly premises

GANDHINAGAR: For the first time in the history of the Gujarat legislative assembly, elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will play Holi with colours inside the assembly building on Tuesday. The ruling party had made a proposal in this regard to the speaker, who approved the request.
According to sources in the assembly secretariat, about 100kg of kesudo flowers (butea monosperma), which is also known as 'flame of the forest' for its bright red colour, have been procured. The MLAs will participate in Holi celebrations by playing with colours made from these flowers.
The Congress, meanwhile, opposed the move to play Holi within the assembly building, contending that the Gujarat legislative assembly functions with people's money and that "public funds should not be wasted in this manner." The Congress leaders announced in the assembly on Monday that they will stay away from participating in the Dhuleti celebrations within the assembly building premises. Sources said that elected MLAs have participated in Dhuleti outside the assembly building in the past, but this is the first time that they will do so inside the assembly building. A shamiana has been erected on the premises for the celebrations.
Sources in the assembly secretariat said that a cricket match is also being planned in the coming days between the MLAs and assembly secretariat staff.