In a blow to BJD (Biju Janata Dal), four times BJD MP from Dhenkanal constituency of Odisha, Tathagat Satpathy on Tuesday announced his retirement from politics in an attempt to ‘refocus’ on journalism.
Tathagat is the son of former CM of Odisha Nandini Satpathy.
Just a day before, his colleague in the BJD, Baijayant Panda joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing differences with party President and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
Tathagat Satpathy said “There is a need for more fearless voices in journalism now. Distancing myself from politics to refocus on journalism. Grateful to my leader Shri Naveen Patnaik for his support all these years. Realised that politics is not the only means to support people.”
There is a need for more fearless voices in journalism now. Distancing myself from politics to refocus on journalism. Grateful to my leader Shri Naveen Patnaik for his support all these years. Realised that politics is not the only means to support people.1/1
— Tathagata Satpathy🌶️ (@SatpathyLive) March 5, 2019
Tathagat Satpathy edits two dailies, one in Odia and the other in English– ‘Orissa Post’.
Previously, he was seen expressing his concern for the country citing that he wants to see a New India where the system of governance goes totally honest and brutally faithful.
A new India, A new India, A new India… being repeated. I would love to see a New India too. A new India where the system of governance goes totally honest, rather brutally truthful, for a change
— Tathagata Satpathy🌶️ (@SatpathyLive) January 31, 2019
However, Satpathy also made it clear that he respects Patnaik and the people of Dhenkanal and Angul for their love and affection and asserted that there were no specific political reason behind his decision.
Also assured that he have no intention of joining any political party and said he has great respect for Naveen Patnaik.
He also asserted that he is not the type of person to succumb to pressure.
He further said that he was planning to meet Patnaik and apprise him about his decision to not contest elections anymore.
“My son wants me to stay at home, focus on journalism and not to contest elections”, He added.