The anti-India sentiment among the ministers of Mohamed Muizzu's government in Maldives is not something new. Suspended Minister Mariyam Shiuna, after her previous remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has once again caused a stir concerning India. The Minister of Youth Empowerment Affairs (suspended) Shiuna posted on social media something that seemed to insult the Indian flag, resulting in widespread anger among Indians online and forcing Shiuna to apologize.
In Shiuna's post, a campaign poster for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was shown with the Ashoka Chakra, part of the Indian flag, in place of the party's logo. The sharing of this modified poster ahead of this month's parliamentary elections has sparked a major controversy.
By sharing the poster, Shiuna targeted the opposition and promoted voting for President Muizzu's People's National Congress.
Shiuna wrote on her now-deleted account, 'MDP is marching towards a significant loss. The people of Maldives do not wish to lose alongside them.' Her provocative post led to the deletion of her account.
Source: aajtak
Indian Users Outraged by Poster
The poster drew significant objection from Indian social media users who urged President Muizzu to take strict action against Shiuna. Consequently, she was compelled to delete her post and issue an apology.
In her apology on EX, the suspended Maldivian minister stated, 'I sincerely apologize for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post. I have been informed that the image I used for criticising the MDP bore resemblance to the Indian flag. I wish to clarify that it was entirely unintended and I regret any misunderstandings that arose.'
Shiuna continued, stating that the Maldives respects India and deeply values its relationship with the nation.
Shiuna Suspended for Remarks on PM Modi
This isn't the first time Shiuna has posted something controversial about India. Earlier this year, following PM Modi's tweet showcasing the beauty of Lakshadweep, she and other Maldivian officials made derogatory remarks. Though the posts were deleted as controversy mounted, the Muizzu government eventually suspended her from her ministerial position.
