Kozhikode, 19 September (H.S.):The controversy surrounding Local Self-Government Minister K M Shaji's use of a privately owned Range Rover intensified on Saturday, with more CPM and DYFI leaders questioning the legality and propriety of the arrangement.

The row began on social media after it emerged that Shaji had stopped using the official vehicle allotted by the government and was travelling in a luxury SUV belonging to a businessman.

Defending his decision, Shaji said the arrangement had caused no financial loss to the government because his friend had provided the vehicle without charging rent. He said the government-allotted Innova Crysta had travelled more than four lakh kilometres and was unsuitable for long-distance journeys.

However, CPM leader and former minister K T Jaleel said accepting a vehicle from a friend raised serious questions about the ministerial oath, which requires ministers to discharge their duties without favour or ill will.

Jaleel demanded an inquiry into the vehicle's ownership, including the identity of its registered owner and the source of funds used to purchase it. He also questioned what would happen if other ministers abandoned their official vehicles and began using privately provided luxury cars free of cost.

Joining the criticism, CPM MLA M Vijin described Shaji's use of a private vehicle reportedly worth about Rs 4 crore as suspicious. He alleged that the arrangement could be illegal and sought clarity on whether the SUV had an official logbook.

Vijin also asked whether records were being maintained regarding the vehicle's journeys and the official purposes for which it was being used. He called upon the Chief Minister to make the government's position clear.

Warning of protests, Vijin said the minister should immediately stop using the luxury SUV and return to a government-authorised vehicle. The mounting criticism has increased pressure on Shaji to disclose details of the arrangement and clarify whether official procedures were followed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman