CALANGUTE, Sept. 28 -- Congress workers burned effigies of alleged defectors during the Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Calangute, drawing a sharp response from local MLA Michael Lobo.

Lobo alleged that the people who participated in the protest were paid supporters brought from outside Calangute and claimed that residents of the constituency continued to support him. He questioned the involvement of outsiders in local political activities ahead of the elections.

Lobo also alleged that local Congress block president had previously worn a BJP shirt while campaigning door-to-door. He questioned the conduct of political activities in the constituency and said local Congress leaders were also observing developments. The allegations could not be indepe...