Lakshadweep vs Maldives Row: Oppn Slams PM Modi for 'Pushing Close Ally Away'; BJP Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep visit last week conjured up a debate on the internet after Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, in a social media post, claimed that India is shifting focus from the Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as another tourist spot.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep,” Modi said in an X post sharing pictures of his trip.

Many Indians cancelled their trip to the Maldives for Lakshadweep after PM Modi posted pictures of the beaches on social media.

ALSO READ: Maldives Minister’s Social Media Post Over PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Visit Stirs Row; Indians Cancel Trips En Masse

Lakshadweep vs Maldives Row

The social media post by the Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid triggered a political row which comes amid strained ties between the two countries following President Mohamed Muizzu’s ascent to power in November last year.

While the Opposition slammed PM Modi for “pushing a close ally away”, BJP leaders hit back at them saying Opposition leaders are “against India”.

Opposition Reaction on Lakshadweep vs Maldives Row-

• “The hullabaloo of RW trolls over Lakshadweep vs Maldives has further pushed the close ally away. Modiji begins the damage, Bhakts amplify it. Go, get some wisdom!” said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi.
• “Wonder if our foreign policy and international relations will be decided by social media, influencers, film actors or ministers in charge and the GoI?” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi in an X post.

BJP Reacts to Lakshadweep vs Maldives Row-

• “Lakshadweep has a huge potential from the tourism point of view… Recently, the Prime Minister also visited Lakshadweep. It will be a tourist destination in the coming times. There has to be an airport, the government is working on it. There is connectivity from Kerala but air connectivity is required… There is no need to go to New Zealand or Switzerland. Everything is in Lakshadweep. People themselves have to become the ambassadors…”
• “If any Opposition party is making potshots then we need to ask them a question are they against locals, are they against India,” BJP leader Navin S Kohli said.
• “Did you search Lakshadweep this week? Thanks to PM Modi: How India’s smallest Union Territory topped the trend,” said General Vijay Kumar Singh in an X post.