With the mercury soaring high by the day, Odisha, known for its long summers, is staring at a terrible season ahead. However, the political weather in the coastal state, thanks to the simultaneous state and general elections, has already generated much heat.
As the electoral combat intensifies, the leading media houses — either owned or promoted by candidates belonging to different parties — are busy fighting in the political ring. As a result, in the words of Rabi Das, former editor of an Odia daily and political commentator, "Not only truth is killed, even basic neutrality is not maintained.”
Naveen Patnaik has inducted owners of media houses into BJD ahead of the polls. PTI
As far as media strength is concerned, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), clearly enjoys an edge over its opponents, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress. At least, in numbers though. Three of its leaders, Cuttack Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who is contesting from the same seat, and two Rajya Sabha members — media tycoon Soumya Ranjan Patnaik (MLA candidate from Khandapara Assembly segment) and educational entrepreneur Achyuta Samanta who is fighting for the tribal-dominated Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency — have their media units.