Bhubaneswar, April 3: Senior Congress leader and former Nabarangpur MP Pradeep Majhi was ostracised by his community for allowing his sister to marry a boy outside the community.

Majhi's father, Bhagban, who was the president of the central committee of the Bhatara Samaj (a tribal society), was also subjected to social boycott.

Majhi, however, said he had no role in the marriage. "I have done what an elder brother should do by letting her live her own life. The issue should not be politicised," he said.

Sources said Majhi's sister, Sanjukta, a lecturer in political science, married Biswanath Praharaj Rajguru, a Hyderabad-based journalist who works for a national news channel, on March 5. The wedding had taken place at Nabarangpur's Nrushingha Temple in the presence of family and friends.

A senior Bhatra Samaj leader said: "Pradeep babu should not have allowed his sister to get married to an outsider. We have decided not to invite him to the functions of our tribe. We will not attend his ceremonies as well."

Women's rights activist Tapasi Praharaj said: "We live in the 21st century and should not oppose inter-caste marriage. Inter-caste marriage brings welcome changes to the society. If the boys and girls are happy with their decision, others should not oppose it."

In February 2016, members of the tribal community had boycotted sports minister Sudam Marandi after he allowed his daughter Sanjeevani, a doctor, to marry the BJD's student wing general secretary Sunil Sarangi. Governor S.C. Jamir and chief minister Naveen Patnaik had attended the wedding.