Four-time BJD MP Tathagata Satpathy quits active politics, rules out joining any political party

Satpathy who attended a ekadasah(eleventh day ritual) of mother of one of his acquaintance in Angul yesterday expressed his willingness not to contest the coming elections and concentrate on journalism.

Satpathy is the editor of oldest language daily Dharitri and also English daily Orissa Post.

The Dhenkanal MP also told the local TV channel today about his decision to retire from the active politics and give more attention on social leadership which he said is lacking in the state.

To a question ,the firebrand MP also ruled out his wife contesting the coming election in his place and opined that those who have crossed 65 years and served MLA and MP for three and four terms should leave the seat and allow the younger generation to contest the elections.

He also clarified that there was no pressure on him but said the only pressure was from "my son who wanted me to quit politics and concentrate more on journalism"

.The BJD MP said there is big vacuum of fearless journalism in the state adding that almost all media houses in the state are sold out.

Satpathy said he will not join any political party but will like to serve the people of state by remaining active in social leadership.

On being asked as to whether he is retiring from the electoral politics with the apprehension that this time he would not get the party ticket, Satpathy quipped “such rumour was there in 1998,1999, 2004,2009 and 2014 elections also but he contested all these the elections.

Satpathy said nobody except BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik could say even today as to who will get ticket in the elections.

The four times Dhenkanal MP said he would soon apprise Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about his decision to quit active politics. 

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