Maldivian Speaker Calls For President's Ouster Amid Row With India

The Parliamentary Minority leader in the Maldives, Ali Azim, on Monday urged actions to oust President Mohamed Muizzu, proposing a vote of no confidence. He stressed the commitment to preserving stable foreign policies and preventing the isolation of neighboring nations in the wake of derogatory comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation's foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?" (sic), the leader wrote on X.

Tensions arose after several Maldivian ministers posted disrespectful remarks about PM Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep. The government subsequently suspended three deputy ministers-Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid-for their comments.

In response to the situation, the Maldivian envoy to India was summoned by the External Affairs Ministry, expressing strong concern over the disparaging remarks.

The criticism from the ministers has sparked backlash in India, with celebrities urging people on X to consider domestic tourist spots instead of the Maldives. Some social media posts indicate that Indians are canceling their planned trips to the Maldives amid the controversy.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that such derogatory remarks on social media by individuals don't reflect the government's official stance, acknowledging awareness of the situation involving disrespectful comments against foreign leaders.