Last week, PM Narendra Modi had to fly from Delhi to Kerala for some party-related commitments. Just before heading to Thrissur for the ‘Mahila Morcha’ conducted program, PM Modi was on Agatti island in Lakshadweep. His brief visit also involved talking with the native people of the archipelago and hearing their concerns. Later, PM Modi on his X page boasted about the amicable nature of people on the island and then lionized the serene beaches and the multitude of adventurous amenities that are still left unexplored in this beautiful land.
PM Modi’s adulation of the archipelago created an instant impact on netizens as Lakshadweep emerged as the most searched topic on Indian Google for the past week. Meanwhile, at some quarters of the Internet, there was a slow brewing storm regarding how Maldives would fare if Lakshadweep took the throne as the new holiday capital in South Asia.
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… pic.twitter.com/tYW5Cvgi8N
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
The topic piqued real interest and many Indian X users started pondering about Lakshadweep's chances to emerge as a holiday hotspot. At this stage, Indian users started comparing Lakshadweep's beauty with Maldives and this irked the residents on the other side. Some users also highlighted Maldives's affinity towards China and the array of security pacts the two countries have signed.
Zahid Rameez, a ruling party MP from Maldives was cocky hearing the Indian aspiration of turning Lakshadweep akin to Maldives. He stooped low to hurl vile derogatory comments filled with racist innuendos at Indian users on X who praised PM Modi's visit to the archipelago.
“Rooms carrying Indian smells will be the biggest downfall of all” Zahid took a dig at Indian hygiene in appalling manner, that is not fit for people holding office with the government.
Earlier too, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu asked India to remove its troops from the island and clairifed his final aim of taking away Maldives from the shackles of Indian power. Even the former president of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed slammed the language used by the MP against Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.
Amidst the rift slowing swelling up between the two countries, netizens have started a new hashtag on X #BoycottMaldives. PM Modi’s snorkelling pictures from Lakshadweep were very discussed across the internet space. Even film stars have now started to cancel their trip to Maldives in the wake of the incendiary attacks on Indian nationals by the Maldives MP.
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. 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 5, 2024