Keralam minister K.M. Shaji faces controversy over use of ‘loaned’ luxury car as official vehicle
Keralam Minister K.M. Shaji is facing political backlash for using a luxury vehicle borrowed from a private businessman as his official car. Critics argue the move represents a conflict of interest and a violation of official protocol.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights concerns regarding political ethics, transparency, and the optics of government officials accepting favors from private business interests.
Keralam Local Bodies Minister and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader K. M. Shaji’s use of a luxury sports utility vehicle, purportedly borrowed from a Saudi Arabia-based businessperson friend of his, as his official car has snowballed into a major political controversy marred by accusations of corruption, conflict of interest, unethical quid pro quos and violation of the Constitutional oath of office.
Mr. Shaji came under intense criticism for affixing the Keralam State Government registration plate, Keralam State 13, reserved for the official vehicles of cabinet Ministers, on a privately owned luxury vehicle belonging to his friend, Yakoob Thillenkeri, a Kannur resident who runs a business operation in Riyadh.
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