Unlike many opinion makers, who are backed by an ammo of researchers guiding their arguments, Panda does the groundwork for his columns, himself, "putting a lot of effort into writing, researching the topic, understanding arguments for and against an issue, and comparing it with similar developments in other countries". "And, while writing, I continually cross check facts, and do web searches on related issues. I envy writers who can shoot off essays breezily, but I go through a process that is painstakingly slow," he says.

Unarguably, the biggest blow for Panda came last year, when he was ousted from the party, he had nurtured as his own. Talking about his controversial exit now, he says, "Over the last previous four years, I had seen the party with which I had been associated from its beginning in the late 90s, veer away from its original, laudable principles, into exactly the kind of venal, violent organisation against whom we had started our movement. When I did not succeed in speaking out internally, my conscience compelled me to speak out in public, But I did so without rancour or malice, just pointing out where we had deviated from earlier actions, and how we should go back. That led to me being sidelined by the new coterie, which has taken control of that party, as well as being physically assaulted."

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That he no longer enjoys the backing of a party, has proved to be a major deterrent for him, especially when tackling issues like corruption in Odisha. "That is a generic shortcoming of the Indian political system, where the party whip has come to be all powerful, with no room for an individual MP to exercise his or her conscience, without risk of being disqualified. I have been outspoken on the need to reform this, and several other aspects of our Parliament's rules." His next political move, however, will be a well thought out one, he says. "I have been considering what I ought to do, and have been moving all across Odisha, meeting with people and asking their advice. My decision will be based on who I feel are willing to not just mouth platitudes on the challenges Odisha faces, but is willing to actually join me in the fight to set things right. Since elections are nearing, I should take a decision soon."

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