Keralam minister defends use of friend’s Range Rover as official vehicle, says no rules violated
Kerala Minister Defends Friend’s Range Rover Use
Bharatmorningnews.com – Keralam minister defends use of friend’s Range Rover for official travel, arguing that no law or government order requires a minister’s official vehicle to be owned by the state. Kerala Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji addressed the criticism at a press conference in Kozhikode.
Shaji said the luxury vehicle belongs to a friend he has known since serving as the MLA from Azhikode. The controversy also includes allegations concerning an overseas trip reportedly financed by friends.
This is a problem with the mindset of some people who think that anything is done only in expectation of a favour in return.
Minister cites rules on official vehicles
Responding to the dispute, Shaji said government orders regulate the allocation and official use of vehicles assigned to ministers, but do not require those vehicles to be government-owned. He referred to a General Administration Department order dated May 23, 2026.
The Kerala minister also cited the Flag Code of India, saying the relevant issue is whether a vehicle is being used for official duties, rather than who owns it. In his view, a car used by a minister while performing official work becomes the minister’s official vehicle.
The vehicle in which the minister travels is the minister’s vehicle.
Keralam minister defends use of friend’s vehicle by drawing a distinction between using public resources for personal purposes and using a privately owned vehicle for government work. He challenged critics to identify a specific law, rule or legal provision that prohibits the arrangement.
Can you show me a law in this country that says what I did was wrong? At least present a piece of paper. Or name the specific section; I will search it right now.
Questions over hospitality and personal lifestyle
Shaji said he understood that his preference for comfortable travel and premium cars could draw public scrutiny. However, he maintained that holding ministerial office does not remove a person’s private life or individual preferences.
He alleged that one image circulated during the controversy was created using artificial intelligence. He also said hospitality such as meals, accommodation or transport from private individuals is not automatically improper unless it results in an undue benefit being granted in return.
Are we supposed to favour them in return? Otherwise, just because we eat a meal, can you prevent ministers from eating meals? Can you prevent ministers from sleeping in someone’s house? Can you prevent ministers from getting into someone else’s car?
Other allegations raised by Shaji
During the press conference, Shaji also raised allegations involving the previous LDF government and the Local Self-Government Department. He claimed that corruption, nepotism and unethical practices had occurred, and said around 10,000 appointments would be examined.
He alleged that some appointments were made without examinations following recommendations from party offices, while candidates who passed Public Service Commission examinations remained waiting for jobs. Shaji said appointments at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration would be based on qualifications regardless of political affiliation.
The minister also highlighted concerns about BUDS schools, which support children and adults with disabilities. He said eight Kerala districts had lacked therapists in BUDS schools for 10 years and that funds allocated in 2018 for modernising the institutions had not been spent.
FAQ: Kerala minister and Range Rover controversy
Why is the Range Rover use being questioned?
Critics questioned the use of a friend’s luxury vehicle for official travel and raised concerns about whether private hospitality could create a conflict of interest.
What is the minister’s response?
Keralam minister defends use of friend’s Range Rover on the grounds that no cited rule requires an official ministerial vehicle to be government-owned.
What does the minister say would make private hospitality improper?
Shaji said it would be improper only if a minister gave an undue favour or benefit in exchange for hospitality.