Shillong, January 9: In a bold move, the Parliamentary Minority leader in the Maldives, Ali Azim, has urged decisive measures to oust President Mohamed Muizzu. The call comes in the aftermath of derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking a heated controversy.
India Today reported that expressing dedication to maintaining the stability of the nation’s foreign policy and preventing the isolation of neighboring countries, Azim questioned whether the Democrats were prepared to take necessary steps. He specifically asked if the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Secretariat was ready to initiate a vote of no confidence against President Muizzu.
The tension escalated after several Maldivian ministers posted disparaging comments on social media following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. The Maldivian government responded by suspending three deputy ministers in the youth ministry—Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid—for their remarks against PM Modi.
In a diplomatic move, the Maldivian envoy to India was summoned to the External Affairs Ministry, conveying strong concerns over the derogatory remarks. This incident drew criticism in India, with celebrities advocating for domestic tourist destinations over the Maldives. Social media also featured posts suggesting some Indians were reconsidering planned trips to the Maldives in light of the controversy.
Addressing the issue, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that the government is aware of such remarks on social media but emphasized that these personal views do not represent the official position. As tensions rise, the call for action against President Muizzu reflects the ongoing political turmoil in the Maldives.