The issue of disrespectful comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised by the Maldives government officials has led to significant consequences. The Maldives government has suspended three of its deputy ministers in response to the comments, and this dispute has drawn attention. Amid reports of an online boycott of Maldives, EaseMyTrip, an Indian online travel company, has taken a major decision. It has suspended all flight bookings to the Maldives. Nishant Pitti, the co-founder and CEO of the Indian travel company, expressed support for India and mentioned that the nation is united. The company has also initiated the #ChaloLakshadweep campaign on social media.
The controversy stems from derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Modi, prompting the Indian High Commission to address the matter. In the wake of the diplomatic tension, the Maldives government suspended three deputy ministers, including Malsha Sharif, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdullah Mahjoom Majid. The comments of these ministers have been criticized by both the Maldives government and opposition leaders. Earlier, the Maldives government distanced itself from the comments, labeling them as the personal opinions of the MPs.
EaseMyTrip took a bold decision
EaseMyTrip is an Indian travel company headquartered in New Delhi, founded in 2008 by Nishant Pitti, Rikant Pitti, and Prashant Pitti. The company’s decision to suspend all flight bookings to the Maldives comes amid a trending social media campaign urging people to boycott the Maldives. Several Indian tourists have reportedly started canceling their planned holidays in the Maldives as a form of protest.
#ChaloLakshadweep
— Prashant Pitti (@ppitti) January 4, 2024
Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles
We at @EaseMyTrip will come up with crazy special-offers to promote this pristine destination that our PM @narendramodi has recently visited! pic.twitter.com/T2ZTd52TOt
Response of Maldives government
The Maldives government, in response to the controversy, suspended the three deputy ministers on Sunday. These developments follow Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep. The #BoycottMaldives hashtag continues to trend on social media as many Indian tourists reconsider their travel plans to the Maldives.
It is noteworthy that the Maldives government’s official stance is that the comments made do not represent the government’s official position. The diplomatic tension adds a new dimension to the already complex relations between India and the Maldives.
Bollywood is also promoting this Campaign.
Bollywood celebrities have stepped forward, posting in support of PM Modi. Kangana Ranaut wrote, ‘For most people, tourism is not just about indulgence but also about discovering nature, aligning with resources, and experiencing the untouched beauty of pristine coastlines.’ Meanwhile, Salman Khan, mentioning PM Modi, wrote on his expanse, ‘It’s wonderful to see our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the beautiful, clean, and mesmerizing coastlines of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that it’s in our incredible India.’
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024
In addition to this, John Abraham shared pictures of Lakshadweep, expressing admiration for the incredible Indian hospitality, the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ and the exploration of vast marine life.
With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024