"So Clean?": Maldivian Minister's Post On PM Modi's Visit To Lakshadweep Sparks Row

A Maldives politician, Zahid Rameez, who is a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives Senate, made a controversial statement regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.

"How can they be so clean?"??

In a tweet, he mocked the beaches of Lakshadweep Island and questioned whether the services provided by the Union Territory of India can match those offered by the Maldives.

Reflecting his prejudiced mindset toward Indians, he wrote, “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 tweet came after PM Modi's posts on X (formerly Twitter) about snorkelling in the Lakshadweep went viral, prompting social media users in India to suggest the island Union Territory as an alternate tourist destination to the Maldives.

In his another post on X, Zahid Rameez criticised India for “copying a small economy like Sri Lanka," without giving any context of mentioning another nation.??

Garnered sharp response on the internet

His remark has garnered sharp response from Indian social media users. Many even called for a boycott of the island nation.?

PM Modi's visit to the country's smallest Union Territory comprising 36 islands with an area of 32 sqkm was seen a move to promote tourism on the island.?PM Modi also laid the foundation for various projects worth ?1,150 crore in the Union Territory.

The development projects cover technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education sectors. The projects were launched at a function attended by hundreds of islanders including women and children whom Modi referred to as his "kudumbangangal" (family members) in Malayalam.

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