• Source:JND
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Lakshadweep vs Maldives: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday condemned the derogatory language used by the country’s minister against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, sparked a row after she made insulting remarks against PM Modi over his Lakshadweep visit. Shiuna called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet" in now-deleted posts on X.

Former President Nasheed said the language used by the minister towards the leader of a key ally was appalling and Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments. "What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy," Nasheed wrote on X.

Since the Mariyam Shiuna used derogatory language against PM Modi, #BoycottMaldives has been trending on social media. Many Indians claimed that they had cancelled their planned holidays to the island nation. Amidts Lakshadweep vs Maldives debate on social media, several Maldivian politicians said India was trying to boost tourism in the archipelago at the cost of Maldives.

ALSO READ: Maldives Minister Targets PM Modi After Visit To Lakshadweep; #BoycottMaldives Trends In India

Apart from Shiuna, other Maldives officials including Zahid Rameez, also mocked Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. Sharing a tweet which claimed that PM Modi's move is a "big setback" for the Maldives and "will boost" tourism in Lakshadweep, Minister Zahid Rameez said, "The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall".

The row over Lakshadweep vs Maldives began after PM Modi posted pictures of his undersea exploration and his experience of the islands on social media. During his two-day visit to Lakshadweep islands, the prime minister went snorkelling to explore the undersea life.

"For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling – what an exhilarating experience it was," PM Modi wrote on X.