Mangalore : Mangalore Taluk panchayat erupted into a virtual shouting match here on Tuesday after several members of the Congress accused the former panchayat president of diverting development funds to his constituency.

During their general body meeting, members alleged that Harish K., previous taluk panchayat president and member from Moodushedde constituency, had sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs. 31 lakh in the year 2013-14, and Rs. 10 lakh in 2014-15 for his constituency during his term.

This represents a significant portion of the nearly Rs. 1 crore budget of the entire panchayat, said members from the Congress. Mangalore Taluk panchayat has 37 constituencies, where BJP holds 19 seats and Congress the rest 18.

The consequence, said members, was that numerous constituencies did not receive any money for their works; while Mohammad Yusuf, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Social Justice, said their proposals had not been allocated any funds.

Calling the allegations “motivated”, Mr. Harish asked why the members had not raised their objections when the action plans were being approved. “Because the funds were needed for critical works in my constituency, two members agreed to transfer their amount to me. And as several members – including Mr. Yusuf – delayed the sending of their action plans, I asked for the grants to be transferred. It is my responsibility as an elected representative to work for my constituency,” he said, over dins and interruptions.

Both sides raised their clamour, and levelled allegations against each other – first arguing about the funds, and then allegations of flouting of procedures.

Eventually, taluk Panchayat President Rajani, from the Congress, and Vice-President Prakash Yedapadavu, from the BJP, calmed the groups by assuring them of a review of the action plans.