Maldives: 3 ministers suspended amid backlash over remarks against PM Modi

The government led by President Mohamed Muizzu suspended the three Maldivian ministers on Sunday, one day after they made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India on social media. Malsha, Hassan Zihan, and Mariyam Shiuna are the Maldives who have been suspended. PM Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep islands and his promotion of the tourism sector in the union territory have evoked a sharp reaction in the Maldives. Several Maldives ministers even claimed that Indian beaches could not meet the cleanliness level of the Maldives beaches. “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," Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said in a post of social media platform X. This led to a significant controversy on social media, with the Maldives’ former president and foreign minister criticizing the remarks made by their nation’s authorities. Mohamed Nasheed, the former president, condemned the remarks and advised his successor to disassociate his administration from the divisive statement. Fearing for its reputation, the Maldivian government said in a statement that it was aware of disparaging comments made on social media against foreign dignitaries and high-ranking officials, but that these comments did not necessarily reflect the government’s position. Furthermore, it declared that the current administration will not think twice about taking legal action against anyone who makes such disparaging statements. (With agency inputs)