K. M. Shaji, Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Governments and a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League, has again defended his use of a luxury car belonging to an acquaintance. He said there was no legal violation and accused the media of amplifying a controversy he attributed to the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s online network.
The dispute followed circulation of a photograph showing Shaji beside a luxury vehicle bearing a state registration plate reserved for ministers’ official cars. Shaji claimed the image had been generated with artificial-intelligence tools. The vehicle was reported to belong to his friend Yakoob Thillenkeri, a businessman based in Riyadh.
Shaji argued that ministers may use private vehicles for official work under current rules, which he said require the vehicle to display the national tricolour. He said the borrowed car posed no legal issue, while acknowledging a moral question. He added that he returned it before the controversy surfaced and had explained the matter to senior party leaders.
He also defended a trip to Bulgaria, saying it followed an invitation from the World Malayali Forum. He had earlier faced criticism after the private car carried the “Keralam State 13” plate reserved for Cabinet ministers’ official vehicles. Source: The Hindu.