1 hr ago
Shaji Defends Friend’s Range Rover as Official Vehicle
Minister KM Shaji used his friend’s Range Rover for some official travel.
He said he had permission to use it and would not ask the government to pay for it.
Shaji said the government vehicle was not comfortable for long journeys.
He also said he had used the friend’s vehicle before becoming a minister.
Opposition politicians said the arrangement could violate the rules for ministers.
Shaji denied doing anything improper.
He asked people to check whether his friends received unfair government benefits.
After the controversy, he returned the car to his friend.
He may decide later whether to use it again.
Minister KM Shaji said he used a friend’s Range Rover after obtaining necessary permissions.
Shaji said the government vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and promised no reimbursement claims.
The LDF accused him of violating his oath of office by using the vehicle.
Shaji said he had used the car occasionally for years, including before becoming a minister.
He returned the vehicle, which was reportedly parked without the minister’s official number plate.
- Who
- Kerala minister KM Shaji, his friend Yakoob, and the LDF, which criticized the arrangement.
- What
- A controversy arose over Shaji’s use of his friend’s Range Rover as an official vehicle.
- Where
- The vehicle was seen at Yakoob’s house in Thillankeri, Kannur district, Kerala.
- When
- Shaji defended the arrangement on Sunday; the vehicle was returned on Saturday, and he planned an announcement for Monday at 11:30 a.m.
- Why
- Shaji said the government-provided vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and that he had obtained the required permissions.
Critics’ View
Shaji’s Defense
Legality of using a private vehicle
Critics’ View
The LDF said using a friend’s vehicle in this way violated the minister’s oath of office.
Shaji’s Defense
Shaji said he followed the prescribed procedures, obtained the necessary permissions, and saw nothing wrong with occasional use.
Need for the vehicle
Critics’ View
Critics questioned the propriety of relying on a privately owned luxury vehicle as an official vehicle.
Shaji’s Defense
Shaji said the government-provided vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and that he would not claim any money from the government.
Possible benefits to the vehicle owner
Critics’ View
The controversy raised questions about whether the friend could receive undue benefits because of his association with the minister.
Shaji’s Defense
Shaji challenged the media and public to investigate whether any such benefits existed and said he should be exposed if he had acted improperly.
Key facts
- Minister
- KM Shaji, who holds Kerala’s Local Self-Government Department portfolio
- Vehicle
- A Range Rover owned by Shaji’s friend Yakoob
- Shaji’s position
- He said he had permission to use the vehicle and would claim no government reimbursement
- Political criticism
- The LDF alleged that the arrangement violated Shaji’s oath of office
- Prior use
- Shaji said he had used the vehicle occasionally for several years, including when he held no official position
- Vehicle’s status
- The car was returned and was seen without the official number plate allotted to the minister
- Planned announcement
- Shaji said he would make an important announcement at 11:30 a.m. on Monday
Quotes
KM Shaji
Kerala minister and Indian Union Muslim League leader
“If there are any legal issues in this matter, everyone has the right to point them out.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If you find anything like that, tell me and the public without any hesitation.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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