• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The Maldives government has reportedly suspended three of its ministers over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the Lakshadweep vs Maldives row. According to several media reports, the suspended ministers are identified as Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid. 

The move comes following the controversy surrounding PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep last week. Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid in a social media post claimed that India is shifting focus from Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as another tourist spot. 

The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in Maldives, Mariyam Shiuna, called the prime minister a ‘clown’ or ‘puppet’ in a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez also mocked the PM's visit and said India would never be able to compete with Maldives in regards to tourism.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan dismissed reports of his suspension from the Maldives cabinet and termed it ‘fake news’. This came soon after local media outlet Adhadhu reported that three deputy ministers were suspended for making derogatory remarks against PM Modi following his recent Lakshadweep visit. 

Maldives Government Issues Statement: 

After massive controversy over the issue, the Maldives government on Sunday evening issued a statement saying, "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives...Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”

Here Are The Top Updates: 

- Following the Maldivian minister's controversial remarks, several hotel bookings, and flight tickets have been cancelled and ‘Boycott Maldives’ began trending on social media platforms. 

- Earlier in the day, former Maldives president  Mohamed Nasheed asked the incumbent President Mohamed Muizzu to tell the world that the comments by the ministers "do not reflect government policy".

- Several Union Ministers also slammed Maldivian politicians over derogatory remarks against PM Modi. Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said that the comments were targeted towards all Indians at large. 

- While Union Minister  Kishan Reddy urged Indians to travel to Lakshadweep, highlighting Union Territory’s tourism potential. “There is no need to visit New Zealand or Switzerland. Everything is in Lakshadweep,” the minister said. 

- Meanwhile, several Indian celebrities including Bollywood actors and social media influencers joined an online campaign calling for a boycott of Maldives. Bollywood actor  Akshay Kumar condemned the remarks of Maldivian ministers and urged people to support Indian tourism. 

- Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra were among the celebrities who also joined the campaign to popularise Indian tourism and beaches.