A suspended junior minister from Maldives’ ruling party has stirred up a storm with a social media post that misused elements of the Indian national flag to criticize the opposition party. Mariyam Shiuna, belonging to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, posted a now-deleted image featuring a Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) campaign poster with the party’s logo replaced by the Ashok Chakra from the Indian Tricolour.
This action led to widespread condemnation, especially given Mariyam Shiuna’s history of controversial remarks. Earlier, she faced severe backlash for making derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in her suspension along with two other deputy ministers.
In response to the recent uproar, Mariyam Shiuna expressed regret for any offense caused and clarified that the resemblance to the Indian flag was unintentional. She emphasized Maldives’ deep respect for India and pledged to be more vigilant in verifying content in the future to avoid similar oversights.
However, despite Mariyam Shiuna’s apology, the incident has reignited tensions between India and Maldives. It comes at a sensitive time when diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly following President Muizzu’s tenure, which has seen calls for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives and increased engagement with China.
In light of these developments, the suspended minister’s actions have placed the People’s National Congress in a delicate position as elections approach. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and sensitivity, particularly in the context of bilateral relations between neighboring countries.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Shiuna has courted controversy with her remarks about India. Her previous comments on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep drew sharp criticism from former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, highlighting the need for accountability and responsible discourse in political communication.
As the fallout from Mariyam Shiuna’s post continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the significance of diplomacy and mutual respect in fostering constructive relationships between nations. Both India and Maldives share a longstanding history of cooperation, and it is imperative to uphold the principles of diplomacy and friendship to overcome any challenges and build a brighter future together.
