Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Political debates are usually framed by studios, soundbites, and selective headlines. The Political Lens EP-200 attempts something different, removing the middle layer and listening directly to citizens.
In this special Phone-In edition, journalist Sunil Jena opened the lines to the public to understand what ordinary people feel about the government led by Mohan Charan Majhi. There were no prepared questions for callers, no edited clips, and no scripted narratives, only spontaneous voices from across Odisha.
Joining the conversation was retired teacher Premananda Sahu, who helped contextualise the feedback with reflections from decades of observing society, education, and governance.
Why a Phone-In Format Matters
In recent years, many citizens have felt that their voices are filtered before they reach decision-makers. Studio debates often amplify political spokespersons rather than lived experiences. The Phone-In format reverses that flow.
Here, farmers, small traders, salaried employees, and homemakers spoke directly, sharing practical concerns about prices, services, local administration, and expectations from leadership. Some callers expressed hope, others frustration. Many simply wanted to be heard.
This diversity of opinion is precisely the point.
What People Talked About
The calls covered a wide spectrum:
- Daily cost of living
- Local governance and responsiveness
- Employment opportunities
- Welfare delivery
- Trust in institutions
Importantly, there was no single dominant narrative. Instead, EP-200 captured a mosaic of perspectives, reminding viewers that public sentiment is never uniform.
Beyond Praise or Criticism
Rather than positioning the discussion as pro-government or anti-government, the episode focused on experience. Callers spoke about what they see in their villages and towns, what has improved, and what still needs attention.
Premananda Sahu noted that democracy matures when leaders listen patiently, and citizens speak freely. Sunil Jena echoed this, emphasising that governance improves only when feedback loops remain open.
A Different Kind of Political Journalism
EP-200 is less about declaring verdicts and more about restoring conversation. It does not claim to represent every Odia voice, but it creates space for many.
In an age where narratives are often shaped by power and platforms, direct citizen dialogue becomes a form of accountability.
Because ultimately, governments are evaluated not only by policies, but by how people feel in their everyday lives.
And sometimes, the most powerful political statement is a simple phone call.
