Kerala minister defends use of friend’s Range Rover as official vehicle

Kerala Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji has defended his use of a friend's Range Rover as his official vehicle, stating no rules were violated. At a press conference on Sunday, Shaji said the vehicle belonged to a friend he has known since his time as an MLA. He cited a government order from May 23, 2026, which he said allows ministers to use privately owned vehicles for official purposes, as long as the tricolour is displayed. Shaji argued that the rule does not require a minister's vehicle to be government-owned.

Shaji also claimed a photo showing him leaning on the luxury car with a state registration plate was AI-generated. He accused the CPI(M)'s cyber wing and the media of creating the controversy. The minister acknowledged a moral dimension but said he returned the vehicle before the issue erupted. He also defended a trip to Bulgaria sponsored by friends, saying it followed an invitation from the World Malayali Forum. The Hindu reports that the minister's use of a state registration plate on a private car had drawn criticism, and that he has clarified his position to senior IUML leaders.