WATCH | Maldives MPs Fight in Parliament Before Crucial Vote For President Muizzu's Cabinet

The Maldives Parliament witnessed violence on Sunday when government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disturbed the proceedings of Parliament and the speakers. The proceeding of the house was disrupted when the ruling alliance clashed with opposition lawmakers.

The altercation started during a special session called to seek parliamentary approval for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet, reported the Sun Online.

Following the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which holds a majority in Parliament, choosing to withhold approval for four members of president Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet, pro-government lawmakers from the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) erupted in protest.

The video captures the fight between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem, where Shaheem was seen holding Isa’s leg, causing him to fall. In response, Isa kicked Shaheem in the neck and pulled his hair.

Shaheem sustained injuries in the quarrel, and was taken to hospital for treatment, the local media reported.

Notably, ministers’ clearance was scheduled at 1:30 p.m. But a number of PNC members blocked the House, interfering with the proceedings.

The protesters wanted the Speaker of Parliament to step down and claimed that recognizing the ministers would impede progress.

The ruling coalition parties, the PNC and the PPP, released a statement portraying the ministers’ refusal as an impediment to the delivery of public services, according to Adhadhu.

However, Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdullah stated that the ministers have the right to be reappointed even if they are not authorised.

He criticised the refusal to approve the ministers as irresponsible.

Recently, Two Maldivian opposition groups denounced the current government for their “stark” anti-Indian turn.

In a joint press release, The Democrats and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) described the change in foreign policy as “extremely detrimental” to the long-term growth of the nation.

The Opposition’s view that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most steadfast ally, will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country” was reasserted and reinforced by the statement.

(with ANI inputs)