Following the controversy that occurred after Maldives ministers made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed denounced the nation’s minister’s disparaging statements against PM Modi on Sunday. He called the minister Mariyam Shiuna’s language “appalling” and described India as a “key ally” for the safety and economic well-being of the archipelago nation.
“What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity. The Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy (sic),” the Maldives’ first democratically-elected President, Nasheed, wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was referred to as a “clown” and a “puppet” by Mariyam Shiuna, the Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, in posts that have since been removed from X. Following negative feedback on the microblogging platform, the tweets were removed.
Other Maldivian politicians, such as MP Zahid Rameez, made fun of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep in addition to Shiuna when the photos went viral on social media and many people compared it to the Maldives.
The minister Zahid Rameez tweeted, “The move is great,” in response to a claim made in a tweet that PM Modi’s action “will boost” tourism in Lakshadweep while causing a “big setback” for the Maldives. But to think you can compete with us is absurd. How are they able to deliver the service that we do? How are they so spotless? The largest drawback will be the lingering odor in the rooms.
These remarks invited sharp criticism against the Maldives officials, with several people calling to “boycott the Maldives”.
