Bhubaneswar, March 17 -- In a sensational development amid the cross-voting controversy, Tirtol BJD MLA Ramakanta Bhoi made serious allegations on Tuesday, claiming he was forcibly taken from his residence and pressured during the voting period yesterday.

The Tirtol MLA alleged that he was picked up from his house "like a culprit" and escorted in a vehicle straight to Naveen Niwas. He claimed that despite his requests, he was not allowed to leave even late into the night on March 15.

According to the BJD legislator, even after 10.00 PM and past midnight, he was prevented from returning home. "I asked them whether they wanted my vote or wanted me to stay at Naveen Niwas. I clearly told them that if I was not allowed to leave, I would not...