Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep caused a social media frenzy. After he delved into the island’s underwater world by snorkeling, everyone started talking about it. The photos and videos of his visit were well-received on social media. For the kind welcome and support of fresh travel arrangements, PM Modi praised India’s smallest Union Territory’s hospitality.
He also heaped praise on Lakshadweep’s natural beauty and its residents’ warmth, which he received during his visit. However, his visit to Lakshadweep unexpectedly sparked an uproar in our neighborhood.
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Maldivians shared derogatory remarks against India
The Maldives, renowned for being India’s best friend, is strangely enraged over PM Modi’s recent visit. It is because many Maldivians saw it as an attempt to draw Indian visitors away from the Maldives. This prompted several Maldivian ministers to make disparaging statements about the Indian prime minister. Many Maldivian ministers started talking negatively about India and Indians.
Notably, Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s disparaging comments ignited outrage on Indian social media, prompting the ‘Boycott Maldives’ movement. Bollywood stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and others made remarks endorsing Lakshadweep or criticizing the Maldivian government. The hashtag ‘Explore Indian Island’ has also been trending on social media, encouraging Indians to visit Indian islands over the Maldives.
Poonam Pandey reveals her stand on the Boycott Maldives controversy
In the midst of escalating tensions, Poonam Pandey joined the fray by urging fans to ‘Explore Indian Island.’ She posted on social media about her decision to prioritize her country, highlighting the hashtag #NationFirst, and announcing the cancellation of her Maldives shoot in favor of shooting in Lakshadweep.
In her tweet, she wrote,
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“I love shooting in Maldives but I will never shoot in Maldives again. When I was scheduled to shoot my next shoot in Maldives, I told my team that I will not Fly if this shoot gets stuck in Maldives. Fortunately, they agreed and now hoping to shoot in lakshadweep. #cancelledshoot #NationFirst #ExploreIndianIsland @narendramodi”
I love shooting in Maldives but I will never shoot in Maldives again. When I was scheduled to shoot my next shoot in Maldives, I told my team that I will not Fly if this shoot gets stuck in Maldives. Fortunately, they agreed and now hoping to shoot in lakshadweep. #cancelledshoot… pic.twitter.com/nQE73E818A
— Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey) January 7, 2024
Her post soon went viral and elicited various kinds of reactions.
Netizens ushered praises on Poonam for putting country over everything
not all heroes wear capes
Some wear Bikini— THE INTREPID (@Theintrepid_) January 7, 2024
You are my real inspiration madam
— MODIfied MONJULIKA (@Jagat___Janani) January 7, 2024
Respect for Poonam Pandey has gone up.
— Zaffar (@Zaffar_Nama) January 7, 2024
Maldives pic.twitter.com/KI3VGMqiP9
— खुरपेंच (@khurpenchh) January 7, 2024
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Et tu Poonam Pandey
What a day to be alive in India
— Akshay (@akshayji10) January 8, 2024
Well, Not all Heroes wear Capes, Some wear Bikini.
Now, I have to admit – “Poonam ji Aapke kapde nahi, Meri soch chhoti hai.”
— The Random Guy (@RandomTheGuy_) January 7, 2024
In the middle of the growing debate, the Maldives and India released statements about what happened. As India expressed its concerns over the state of affairs, the Maldivian government took action to distance itself from Mariyam Shiuna’s statements. In addition, three ministers, including Mariyam Shiuna, have also been suspended by the Maldivian government.
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