Pandit Nilakantha Das returned to Odisha politics after more than five years devoted to research and writing in the Odia language. He did so not out of ambition, but out of concern. He felt that the younger political leaders, in spite of their enthusiasm,  lacked proper guidance; and that someone needed to stand in the Assembly who could both encourage them and correct them when necessary.
For this reason, he chose to contest elections as an independent candidate, with no party backing. He created his own party called Swadhin Janasangha, with Pandit Godabarish Mishra and a few loyal, enthusiastic followers. He had little money, no car, and did most of his canvassing in simple bullock carts. Yet his spirit was undeterred, and wherever he went for campaigning, he received a hero’s welcome befitting a respected statesman.
When he entered the Odisha Assembly, something remarkable happened. Members from all political parties, regardless of ideology, showed him deep respect. They listened when he spoke. They accepted his praise, and accepted his criticism. They came to his house at any time to seek his opinion.  In his presence, the Assembly recognized not merely a politician, but a moral guide.