Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi and leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik have separately decided to stay away from Diwali celebrations this year in solidarity with people affected by floods and landslides in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab.The Chief Minister’s Office said no Diwali celebrations would be held at the CM’s residence this year in view of the devastation caused by floods in several parts of the state, particularly southern Odisha. It also requested well-wishers and citizens not to bring gifts or bouquets to the CM’s residence on the occasion.Majhi appealed to people to remain sensitive to the plight of those in the affected areas and extend a helping hand to families hit by the disaster.Naveen’s office separately announced that the BJD president and leader of opposition would not celebrate Diwali as a mark of solidarity with flood and landslide-hit people of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.Naveen, who visited flood-affected areas on Saturday, said floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab had caused extensive damage in Ganjam and Gajapati, leaving people in immense distress.He also referred to the landslides in Kandhamal, where, according to his statement, some people trapped under debris remained missing. In view of the suffering of the affected people, Patnaik decided to refrain from Diwali celebrations.