{
  "id": 10418732,
  "title": "IUML uneasy over Keralam Minister K.M. Shaji’s luxury-car controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/iuml-uneasy-over-keralam-minister-k-m-shajis-luxury-car-controversy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T10:20:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/iuml-uneasy-over-keralam-minister-km-shajis-luxury-car-controversy/article71519148.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) seems concerned over K.M. Shaji, the Keralam Local Self-Government Minister, utilizing a luxury vehicle provided by a friend. P. Abdul Hameed, the IUML Malappuram district secretary, referred to the situation as a \"spelling mistake\" rather than a serious one. He stated that four of the party's ministers are newcomers, but all are efficient, like veteran Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty. Such errors may occur in the initial days for anyone and are not a cause for alarm. The IUPL has, however, reportedly requested Mr. Shaji to refrain from making further comments that could prolong the controversy.\n\nMr. Shaji, known for his sharp responses that have at times criticized his opponents, criticized a news channel owner and accused the media of lacking moral and ethical standards during a press briefing. His remarks intensified the focus on the issue. At a subsequent event, Mr. Shaji stated that he had not violated any laws and had a duty to inform the public about the situation. He further explained that he was speaking at the function as an elected representative who had won the people's votes, rather than as a minister. Despite the controversy, Mr. Shaji returned the luxury car with an official board, the number 13, and an official emblem once the issue surfaced. His explanation about ministerial vehicle usage, however, left netizens divided and created memes and laughter.",
  "summary": "IUML Malappuram district secretary P. Abdul Hameed describes the incident as a ‘spelling mistake’ rather than a serious lapse; the party has, however, reportedly asked Shaji not to make further comments that could prolong the controversy",
  "key_points": [
    "IUML uneasy over K.M. Shaji's luxury-car controversy",
    "P. Abdul Hameed downplays the situation as a spelling mistake",
    "Shaji returns the luxury car with official board and emblem"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}