Thiruvananthapuram, 12 May (H.S.): Former Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has landed in fresh controversy following his defeat in the recent Assembly elections, with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) initiating steps to remove the designation “MLA” from his driving licence.

According to officials, the move comes after it was found that the legislator’s official designation had been included alongside his name on the driving licence, allegedly in violation of standard documentation norms. Authorities maintain that names appearing on driving licences must strictly match the details available in a person’s primary identity records and should not contain temporary official positions or titles.

Sources in the department said the designation “MLA” was added to Ganesh Kumar’s licence before 2019. Officials pointed out that government documents generally do not permit the inclusion of elected or temporary public offices as part of a person’s legal identity. Though the licence remains valid until July 10, 2028, the change in political circumstances after the fall of the previous ministry has reportedly prompted the department to expedite corrective action.

The MVD is also likely to seek an explanation from Ganesh Kumar regarding how the designation was incorporated into the licence records.

Meanwhile, another serious discrepancy has reportedly surfaced during the scrutiny of the former minister’s records. Preliminary findings suggest that Ganesh Kumar may have obtained his driving licence before attaining the legally prescribed age of 18. If confirmed, officials said it could amount to a major procedural violation under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Department sources indicated that licences found to have been issued through irregular procedures or based on incorrect information could face cancellation. In view of the legal implications, the Motor Vehicles Department is expected to seek detailed legal opinion before proceeding further with any punitive or corrective measures.

The developments have triggered political discussion in Kerala, particularly as Ganesh Kumar had earlier served as Transport Minister and was closely associated with several administrative reforms in the department. Neither Ganesh Kumar nor his office has officially responded to the reports so far.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman