New Delhi: A controversy ensued when a Maldives minister posted contentious tweets mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago. In one tweet, Minister Zahid Rameez accused India of "copying a small economy like Sri Lanka" to make money, expressing dismay at what he perceived as India's attempt to imitate Sri Lanka's economic model.

"It is very sad that a big country like India is trying to make money by copying a small economy like Sri Lanka," wrote the Maldives minister on X, sharing an Media report highlighting the significance of PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit.

The pictures of PM Modi's visit and snorkeling in Lakshadweep garnered attention, leading to comparisons on the internet between Lakshadweep and the Maldives, renowned for its beautiful beaches. Minister Rameez intensified the controversy on January 5 with another tweet, claiming PM Modi's actions are a "big setback" for the Maldives and will enhance tourism in Lakshadweep.

"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," stated the minister.

The controversial remarks triggered widespread criticism on the internet, with calls to "boycott Maldives." In response, the minister retweeted a post defending the tweets, emphasizing the independence of the Maldives government. Another minister, Mariyam Shiuna, also made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a "clown" and "puppet" in now-deleted posts on X, which were removed after facing backlash on the micro-blogging site.

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