Nabarangpur, Mar 22: Former Nabarangpur MLA Sadasiva Pradhani has landed in controversy after the Bhatara community imposed a 12-year social boycott on him and his family over his daughter’s proposed inter-caste marriage, our sources from the ground informed.

According to reports, Pradhani’s daughter got engaged on February 25 and is set to marry a man from another caste in April, a move that allegedly violates the traditional norms of the Bhatara community.

Community Meeting Leads to Boycott
The decision was taken at a meeting of the district Bhatara community held at Danteswari Temple in Dhamanaguda under Jharigaon block. Representatives from 10 blocks attended the meeting.

The community unanimously resolved to socially boycott Pradhani’s family, cutting off all social ties and barring members from participating in any family or social functions.

Another Family Also Penalised
In a similar action, one Khirasindhu Markam from Ankabeda village in Chandahandi block was also boycotted along with his family for marrying outside the community.

Political Background
Pradhani served as an MLA from Nabarangpur Assembly constituency between 2019 and 2024, representing the Biju Janata Dal.

In the 2024 Assembly elections, his wife Kaushalya Pradhani contested on a BJD ticket but lost to BJP candidate Gourishankar Majhi.

Also Read: Odisha Weather Forecast: Kalbaisakhi Likely To Resume From March 25

Community Leaders Present
Several leaders of the Bhatara community, including Jagdish Nayak, Jagannath Majhi, Ramadhar Majhi and others, were present at the meeting where the decision was taken.