Thiruvananthapuram: Former minister KB Ganesh Kumar has come under sharp criticism on social media after claiming that even if his Indian driving licence is cancelled, he can continue driving in India using his Gulf licence.

The remark came while responding to reports based on Motor Vehicles Department records showing that Ganesh Kumar had obtained a driving licence before turning 18. In his explanation, he asserted that he could still drive with his Gulf licence even if his Indian licence was cancelled.

It is the legality of this claim that has been questioned. Under Indian law, a Gulf driving licence alone cannot be used to drive in India. An Indian citizen holding a valid Gulf licence may apply for an equivalent Indian driving licence. Foreign nationals visiting India can drive using an International Driving Permit obtained by presenting their home-country licence. However, even if an Indian citizen obtains an International Driving Permit abroad, they must possess a valid Indian driving licence to drive in India.

Since Ganesh Kumar is an Indian citizen, his Gulf-issued international licence would not be valid for driving in India.

This is the point that has drawn criticism on social media. Ganesh Kumar said: "Don't try to stop me from driving. I have a Gulf licence that allows me to drive across India and around the world. I will drive using that licence."