K.M. Shaji defends luxury car use, alleges AI-generated photo behind row

Kerala Minister for Local Self-Governments and Indian Union Muslim League leader K.M. Shaji has once again defended his use of a luxury car as an official vehicle, alleging that the controversy was manufactured by the cyber wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and amplified by sections of the news media.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Mr. Shaji said a photograph circulating on social media — showing him leaning against a luxury car bearing a State government registration plate — had been created using Artificial Intelligence tools. He maintained that there was no legal violation in his use of the vehicle.

According to the Minister, a vehicle used by a Minister need not be a government-owned one. The requirement, he said, is only that it display the national tricolour. He argued that personal vehicles can legitimately be used for government purposes.

"The vehicle being used by a Minister is the Minister's vehicle, and it can be a private vehicle. The only issue is that we should not grant any favours in return. If such a situation comes, we will see," Mr. Shaji said, adding that existing rules would have to be changed if someone wanted to hold him accountable.

The Minister acknowledged that while no legal question arose from his use of the borrowed car, a moral issue did exist. He said he had returned the vehicle well before the controversy gained traction and had already explained his position to senior IUML leadership. Mr. Shaji stated that he would not engage in anything illegal or anti-government, and added that if any ally in the United Democratic Front felt hurt by the episode, he would respect their sentiments.

Mr. Shaji also defended a trip to Bulgaria, saying he had travelled there at the invitation of the World Malayali Forum.

The Minister had earlier drawn criticism for affixing the 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-based businessman in Riyadh. He later returned the vehicle.