Mr Azim, a member of The Democrats, which broke from the last year, demanded “all necessary steps to remove President Muizzu from power”, and asked the MDP – the largest opposition party – to “initiate a vote of no-confidence”. His colleague, Mr Naseem, has “requested Parliament summon the Foreign Minister… following inaction regarding derogatory comments against PM Modi”.
Opposition lawmakers are scaling up attacks on President Muizzu ahead of general elections this year. MDP leader and ex-Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi slammed the ruling party for its “short-sightedness” in potentially alienating an “age-old relationship” and referred to India as “our 911 call”. “We have always had an India first policy.”
A second MDP leader, Ahmed Mahloof, who was the Youth and Sports Minister, warned of a “huge impact” on the Maldivian economy if the trend of Indian tourists boycotting his country continues; “I am deeply worried… it will be hard to recover.”
Mr Mahloof’s red-flag comes after reports of mass cancellations by Indian tourists, who headline the list of foreign arrivals in the Maldives in the post-Covid era, and generate valuable foreign exchange and jobs. The country’s largest industry body – the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry – slammed “derogatory comments” directed at PM Modi.
Meanwhile, former Tourism Minister, Abdulla Mausoom, appealed to Indians to disregard the words of “… any minister, junior or senior”, and urged his government to recognise the Maldives is tourism-reliant and Indian travellers are among its key sources of income.
Two other senior Maldivian politicians – former President Ibrahim Solih and ex-Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid – have also criticised the comments. They condemned the use of “hateful language” and “reprehensible” remarks against India. Former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla told NDTV the comments were “racist” and Indians are “rightfully angry”.
President Muizzu’s government called the comments “unacceptable” and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said on X the ruling party remains “committed to fostering a constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours…” Three ministers have been suspended – Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid.
The row erupted after PM Modi posted videos and images promoting the tourism industry in Lakshadweep. A #BoycottMaldives trend broke on Twitter – fuelled partly by posts from Bollywood celebrities and cricketers – and a sharp spike in interest in the union territory.
India’s response has been measured; New Delhi summoned the Maldives envoy only on Monday, days after the row, and neither the PM nor Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have made public statements so far. Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel told NDTV the comments “challenged” India’s dignity, but he waved off talk of a public apology.
The comments attacking Mr Modi underline strained ties between the India and the Maldives since Mr Muizzu, seen as a pro-China leader and on a State visit to that country till January 12, was elected President. He praised Beijing as a “valued ally” on his arrival Monday. The Chinese government has not reacted formally but the state-run Global Times referred to a “friendly and cooperative relationship” with the Maldives”.

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The Bengaluru start-up founder, who allegedly killed her four-year-old son in Goa and travelled to Karnataka with his body, was separated from her husband, said police today, suspecting her strained relationship with her husband as a possible reason for the murder.

However, the motive behind Suchana Seth committing murder is not clear, said police.

The 39-year-old CEO of artificial intelligence start-up Mindful AI Lab was arrested in Karnataka’s Chitradurga yesterday with her son’s body in a bag.

Ms Seth, who is from West Bengal, said she was unhappy over her strained relationship with her husband Venkat Raman, according to the police, and that their divorce proceedings are in the final stage.

The cops have contacted Ms Raman, who is from Kerala and is currently in Indonesia, and summoned him to India.

Ms Seth had allegedly killed her son in a hotel in north Goa’s Candolim, police said, crediting the presence of mind of the hotel staff for alerting the cops.

She had checked into Sol Banyan Grand with her son on Saturday, but checked out alone on Monday. Moreover, she insisted on booking a cab to Bengaluru from Goa despite the hotel staff advising her to take a flight.

The hotel staff also found bloodstains in the apartment she had occupied and informed the Goa Police. She also provided a wrong address when the cops dialled the cab driver and inquired about her son.

The cops then asked the driver to divert to the nearest police station in Chitradurga, around 200 km from Bengaluru, where she was arrested.

CCTV footage at the hotel is being checked and the forensic team is collecting evidences, said police.