Kolkata/IBNS, March 13 -- The West Bengal government has stirred a row by imposing a ban on celebrations of Hindu festival Holi in Shantiniketan's Sonajhuri Haat triggering sharp responses from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), media reports said.

The ban has been reportedly imposed citing potential damage to the greenery at the popular marketplace which is located near Visva Bharati University (VBU).

Bolpur Division Forest Officer Rahul Kumar said banners have been put up urging tourists to not park vehicles or celebrate Holi which is the festival of colours.

BJP, which is the main opposition party in the state, has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government of appeasement politics.

Facing the heat, the gove...