'Fake news': Maldivian minister denies suspension over remarks against Modi

Maldivian Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan, quoting a local media tweet, on Sunday denied a report of his suspension from the cabinet, along with other ministers, over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it 'fake news'.

His denial came after local media outlet Adhadhu reported that deputy youth ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid were suspended over social media posts, making mocking references to Prime Minister Modi.

Citing a top government source, Adhadhu reported that three deputy ministers were suspended for making disparaging statements against PM Modi, following his recent visit to Lakshadweep.

Further, a section of officials in the Maldivian government were seen exchanging heated messages on X with Indian citizens and troll accounts as well, the local media outlet reported.

A massive uproar broke after a Maldivian deputy minister and some other government officials shared derogatory posts about PM Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.

PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on January 2 and shared several pictures, including an 'exhilarating experience' of him trying his hand at snorkelling.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches and the pristine blue skies and the ocean, and tagged them with a message that read, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list."

In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi over his visit to the Indian island cluster.