Senior BJD leader and four-time parliamentarian Tathagata Satpathy strongly feels that there is a dire need for fearless journalism which is the primary reason why he decided to quit active politics. During a tete-a-tete with Orissa POST correspondent Biswa Bhusan Mohapatra, Satpathy also said he took the decision to leave space for younger change makers and policy formulators.
Q: Why all of a sudden you have decided to quit politics?
It is there in my mind for the past several days and I was telling people of my constituency about this. My son (Aaryl Che) was pressurising me. He wants me to stay at home and refocus on journalism. I have made this announcement today, on birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik because Biju babu had brought me to electoral politics.
Q: What is your next move?
I’m not going to be a part of any political outfit. I will refocus on journalism, which is my profession because there is a dire need for more fearless voices in journalism now. Will focus on my English daily Orissa POST and Odia daily Dharitri.
Q: Have you taken this decision fearing you might not get a party ticket to contest upcoming polls?
No. There is no question of getting or not getting party ticket. In BJD, the ticket of only one person is sure that is party chief Naveen Patnaik. No other leader knows about who will get ticket and who will not.
Q: Will you rethink about your decision, if party president will force you?
No. I have made up my mind to distance myself from politics. I will convince him.
Q: Is there any possibility of someone from your family joining politics?
No, not at all. No one from my family is interested in politics.
Q. What is your message for other senior politicians of this country?
I took this decision to leave space for younger change makers and policy formulators. Leaders must withdraw after the age of 60 years make way for younger faces. I have stood my belief. Hope others will follow.