Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Kerala Minister Shaji Defends Friend’s Range Rover Use
Minister K. M. 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 suitable for long trips.
He also said he had used the car sometimes before becoming a minister.
The LDF criticized him and said the arrangement might break the rules for ministers.
Shaji said people should investigate whether his friends received any unfair government benefits.
The car belonged to his friend Yakoob, who lives in Saudi Arabia and is from Thillankeri.
Shaji returned the car before travelling abroad.
He had not decided whether he would use it again after returning.
Minister K. M. Shaji defended using his friend Yakoob’s Range Rover as an official vehicle.
Shaji said he had used the vehicle occasionally for years after obtaining necessary permissions.
He said the government-provided vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and that he would claim no government reimbursement.
The LDF alleged that using the private vehicle violated Shaji’s oath of office.
Shaji returned the Range Rover to Yakoob before travelling abroad, and its future use remained undecided.
- Who
- Kerala minister K. M. Shaji, his friend Yakoob, the LDF, and IUML leader P. K. Firoz.
- What
- A political controversy arose over Shaji’s use of his friend’s Range Rover as his official vehicle.
- When
- Shaji defended the arrangement on Sunday, and the vehicle was returned on Saturday before his reported overseas travel.
- Where
- The Range Rover was seen at Yakoob’s house in Thillankeri, Kannur district, Kerala.
- Why
- Shaji said the government-provided vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and that he had obtained the necessary permissions.
Critics’ View
Shaji’s Defense
Compliance with ministerial rules
Critics’ View
The LDF said using a friend’s private vehicle as an official vehicle violated Shaji’s oath of office.
Shaji’s Defense
Shaji said he followed the prescribed procedures and obtained the necessary permissions.
Need for a private vehicle
Critics’ View
Critics questioned the propriety of relying on a friend’s expensive vehicle for official travel.
Shaji’s Defense
Shaji said the government vehicle was unsuitable for long-distance travel and that he would not seek reimbursement.
Possible undue benefits
Critics’ View
The arrangement prompted questions about whether Yakoob or other friends could receive government benefits because of their association with Shaji.
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.
Reason for returning the car
Critics’ View
The vehicle’s return after the controversy raised questions about whether the arrangement was acceptable.
Shaji’s Defense
IUML leader P. K. Firoz said he did not know why the car was returned and maintained that private vehicles could be used if all rules were followed.
- Minister
- K. M. 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 received the necessary permissions and would claim no money from the government
- Political criticism
- The LDF alleged that using the vehicle 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 status
- The car was returned to Yakoob and 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
