K M Shaji’s Prague Trip Raises Questions Over Foreign Travel Without Proper Approval

Thiruvananthapuram: Ministers in the UDF government have travelled abroad without obtaining the required permissions since the government came to power, according to allegations raised over their overseas visits. K M Shaji, who travelled across European countries, visited Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, without authorisation. Assembly records list his visits to Austria, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the UAE.

ONly four were the only destinations for which K M Shaji had sought permission. It remains unclear why he did not disclose his trip to Prague. A minister travelling abroad without government approval constitutes a serious breach of protocol. Ministers are required to obtain approval from the Chief Minister as well as the Central government before undertaking foreign trips.

K M Shaji has not yet responded to the controversy surrounding the trip. The latest issue has emerged amid growing discontent within the Muslim League over the controversy involving him using a friend's Range Rover for official purpose.

Meanwhile, nine ministers have travelled abroad since the UDF government assumed office. Apart from K M Shaji, they are O J Janeesh, Mons Joseph, T Siddique, Bindu Krishna, Ramesh Chennithala, P C Vishnunath, V E Abdul Gafoor and Shibu Baby John. Eight of them travelled abroad for personal purposes.