Kerala Minister KM Shaji Defends Use of Private Range Rover Amid Growing Controversy
Kozhikode: Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Government, KM Shaji, has firmly defended his decision to utilize a luxury Range Rover belonging to a personal friend for his official duties. Facing mounting criticism from the Opposition regarding his choice of vehicle and a recent foreign trip allegedly funded by private associates, Shaji dismissed the accusations as a product of a cynical mindset that assumes every gesture of friendship comes with an expectation of a quid pro quo.
Dispelling Allegations of Regulatory Violations
During a press conference held on Sunday, the minister insisted that his actions remained strictly within the boundaries of the law. Shaji referenced various government orders, including a directive from the General Administration Department dated May 23, 2026, alongside precedents set in 2011, 2016, and 2021, to argue that there is no mandate requiring ministers to exclusively use government-owned vehicles.
“The vehicle in which the minister travels is, by definition, the minister’s vehicle,” Shaji asserted. He clarified that existing regulations pertain primarily to the official number plates assigned to ministerial cars and the protocols outlined in the Flag Code of India regarding the display of the national flag. According to the minister, as long as these criteria are met, the ownership of the vehicle is immaterial.
Addressing the public scrutiny surrounding his lifestyle, Shaji acknowledged his preference for comfort and expensive automobiles. He argued that an individual’s personal life and personality do not cease to exist simply because they hold office. He further dismissed reports circulating in the media, alleging that a widely shared photograph of him was AI-generated and intended to misrepresent his actions.
Counter-Allegations of Corruption in Local Governance
Shaji shifted the narrative toward the previous LDF administration, leveling serious allegations of systemic corruption and nepotism. The minister pledged to conduct a thorough review of nearly 10,000 appointments made within the Local Self-Government Department, claiming that many were unauthorized backdoor entries facilitated by political recommendations, bypassing candidates who had successfully cleared the Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations.
Highlighting specific areas of concern, Shaji pointed to the neglect of BUDS schools across eight districts, where he alleged that therapists have been absent for a decade despite allocated modernisation funds remaining untouched since 2018. He also drew attention to alleged financial irregularities in Kudumbashree Community Development Society (CDS) offices in several districts, specifically regarding funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes. Additionally, he noted that a Vigilance investigation has been launched into a ₹18 crore housing project in Ernakulam, which subsequently required an additional ₹28 crore for repairs, labeling the mismanagement as “huge corruption.”
Defending Ministerial Morality
When questioned about the potential conflict of interest inherent in accepting favours from private citizens, the minister remained defiant. He argued that social interactions, such as sharing a meal or accepting a ride, do not equate to institutional corruption. He challenged his critics and the media to cite a specific law or constitutional provision that prohibits such actions.
“If you can show me a single piece of paper or a section of the law that says this is illegal, I will address it immediately,” he challenged. While acknowledging that there are legitimate concerns regarding public perception and moral standards in politics, Shaji maintained that decisions should be based on concrete evidence rather than speculative assumptions about future political favours.
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