Maldives Suspends Three Ministers Over Offensive Remarks Against PM Modi
Malé, Maldives: The Maldives government has taken swift action by suspending three of its ministers after they shared objectionable remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. The decision to suspend Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid from their ministerial posts came in response to India raising concerns about the derogatory comments.
Incident Details:
The controversy unfolded after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, where Maldivian ministers, including Shiuna, used disparaging language, referring to PM Modi as a “clown” and “puppet” in now-deleted posts on social media platform X. The derogatory tweets were removed following public backlash.
Diplomatic Intervention:
India promptly addressed the matter with the Maldives government, leading to the suspension of the three ministers involved. Mariyam Shiuna’s comments, in particular, garnered attention as she criticized PM Modi’s visit and promoted the Maldives as a tourist destination for Indians.
Reactions and Condemnations:
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and ex-Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid condemned Mariyam Shiuna’s remarks, describing them as “appalling language.” The Maldives government officially distanced itself from the derogatory comments, asserting that they do not represent the views of the Maldivian government.
Social Media Criticism and Celebrity Response:
The offensive remarks sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with calls for a boycott of the Maldives gaining momentum. Prominent celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor, and Kangana Ranaut, joined the discussion, expressing their opinions on PM Modi’s visit and the subsequent Maldivian response.
Diplomatic Fallout:
The incident highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and diplomatic considerations, especially in the age of social media. As diplomatic tensions simmer, the suspension of the three ministers signals a commitment to maintaining respectful international relations.