Keralam Minister KM Shaji Defends Using Friend's Range Rover As Official Vehicle

K.M. Shaji, a Local Bodies Minister and leader of the Indian Union Muslim League in Kerala, has found himself embroiled in a major political controversy after using a luxury SUV, purportedly borrowed from a friend in Saudi Arabia, as his official vehicle. The use of the Keralam State Government registration plate on the privately owned luxury vehicle reserved for cabinet ministers has sparked accusations of corruption, conflict of interest, unethical quid pro quos, and violation of the Constitutional oath of office.

Photos of Shaji posing with the vehicle have gone viral, garnering praise from supporters and criticism from Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders like K.T. Jaleel and the Democratic Youth Federation of India State president, Chintha Jerome. Shaji initially defended his use of the "borrowed" vehicle, citing its high mileage and questionable roadworthiness, but eventually returned it to the car's owner after the Congress-led United Democratic Front government faced criticism for Kerala's power cuts.

Responding to the controversy, Shaji challenged the Communist Party to block his passage if he continued using private vehicles for official duties and demanded a media investigation into his actions. Jaleel accused Shaji of violating the oath of office by accepting a freebie and demeaning State symbols, while Jerome demanded Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan clarify whether Shaji's acceptance of the vehicle constitutes an unethical quid pro quo.