Keralam minister defends use of friend’s Range Rover as official vehicle, says no rules violated

Kozhikode, Keralam Minister KM Shaji defended on Sunday his use of a friend's Range Rover as his official vehicle, asserting he had not breached any rules. Speaking at a press conference, Shaji faced Opposition criticism over the vehicle's use and a foreign trip financed by a friend. He stated the Range Rover belonged to a friend they had known since Shaji was an MLA from Azhikode.

Shaji claimed ministerial vehicle use was governed by government orders, citing an order from the General Administration Department on May 23, 2026, and similar orders from 2011, 2016, and 2021. He stated the rules specified the vehicle's number and the Flag Code of India regulated flag display. Shaji clarified that a minister's vehicle did not need to be government-owned.

He refuted critics' lifestyle concerns, stating he traveled in good cars and led a relatively lavish life. Claiming a controversy photograph was AI-generated, Shaji alleged the criticism stemmed from his lifestyle and expensive-car preference. He also accused the previous LDF government of corruption, nepotism, and unethical practices in the Local Self-Government Department, alleging 10,000 appointments were made without examinations based on party office recommendations, while candidates with Public Service Commission clearances awaited jobs.

Shaji addressed corruption allegations in BUDS schools, Kudumbashree CDS offices, and a housing complex in Ernakulam, demanding a Vigilance investigation. He challenged journalists to cite a law prohibiting his actions, stating he sought proof of wrongdoing.