In a significant development that has stirred political circles in Kerala, Congress leaders have leveled serious allegations of massive fund lapses in panchayats governed by the political outfit Twenty20. The accusations emerged during a press conference held in Kochi on Saturday, where Congress MP Benny Behanan presented detailed figures claiming financial mismanagement has severely impacted development projects.
Massive Financial Lapses Exposed
Congress leader and Member of Parliament Benny Behanan made startling revelations about the scale of fund lapses in Twenty20-administered local bodies. According to Behanan, Kizhakkambalam grama panchayat, which is under Twenty20's control, allowed approximately Rs 20 crore to lapse over the past decade. This substantial amount could have transformed the region's infrastructure and public facilities.
The financial irregularities appear to extend beyond Kizhakkambalam. Behanan further alleged that Mazhuvannoor grama panchayat, another Twenty20-ruled local body, witnessed Rs 13 crore lapsing due to administrative mismanagement. Similarly, Aikkaranadu grama panchayat reportedly saw around Rs 2 crore of development funds expire without being utilized for their intended purposes.
Composition of Lapsed Funds and Impact
The lapsed money comprises various grants provided by both Union and state governments, in addition to the panchayats' own funds. This mixture of funding sources indicates that the financial negligence affected multiple streams of development financing intended for public welfare.
Despite approximately Rs 20 crore remaining deposited with banks, Kizhakkambalam panchayat has 107 development projects stuck in incomplete status. This paradox of funds available yet projects unfinished raises serious questions about administrative efficiency and prioritization of development work.
Behanan highlighted the contradiction between Twenty20 leader Sabu Jacob's claims of Kizhakkambalam panchayat having a surplus of Rs 32 crore and the reality of lapsed funds and incomplete projects. The Congress leader also pointed out that panchayat authorities in Aikkaranadu and Mazhuvannoor continue to deposit funds in banks while numerous development initiatives await implementation.
Political Implications and Public Accountability
These allegations come at a crucial time when local governance and efficient fund utilization are under increased public scrutiny. The total lapsed amount of approximately Rs 35 crore across three panchayats represents a significant failure in local administration and raises concerns about the effectiveness of Twenty20's governance model.
The press conference in Kochi served as a platform for the Congress party to demand accountability from the ruling Twenty20 in these panchayats. With development projects remaining incomplete despite available funds, the allegations suggest serious administrative deficiencies that directly impact the quality of life for residents in these areas.
As the political debate intensifies, the focus now shifts to how Twenty20 leadership will respond to these serious financial allegations and what measures will be taken to ensure proper utilization of development funds in the future.
