Kozhikode ,27 Sept(H.S.):

Local Self-Government Minister K M Shaji on Sunday defended his use of a privately owned Range Rover, rejecting allegations that he had accepted the vehicle in exchange for official favours.

Speaking to reporters in Kozhikode, the Indian Union Muslim League leader said he had used the SUV, owned by a businessman he described as a friend, for years. He said he had travelled in it during his 2021 Assembly election campaign in Azhikode.

“There was no such favour,” Shaji said, accusing Communist Party of India (Marxist) cyber handles of exaggerating the controversy. He maintained that a minister could choose to travel in a private vehicle instead of the car provided by the government.

The issue drew criticism from CPM and Democratic Youth Federation of India leaders after Shaji was seen using the SUV. Former minister K T Jaleel questioned whether accepting a friend’s vehicle was appropriate for a minister and called for the arrangement to be examined in light of the ministerial oath.

CPM MLA M Vijin alleged that the arrangement was illegal and asked whether a logbook recorded the vehicle’s journeys and their purposes. He also claimed the SUV was worth about ₹4 crore.

Shaji rejected the allegation and disputed the price cited by his critics. “Anyone can Google the price of this car. I don’t know where they got such a big number from,” he said.

The minister also denied breaching protocol. He said ministers were allotted official numbers rather than vehicles bearing particular registration numbers, and that he had been assigned number 13. He argued that the Flag Code allowed the national flag to be displayed on the vehicle even though it was privately owned.

Shaji said ministers should avoid using official privileges for personal purposes, but could use their personal resources for public work.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman