New Delhi-based online travel company, EaseMyTrip, has taken a significant step in solidarity with Bharat by suspending all flight bookings to the Maldives. The move comes in response to derogatory remarks made by suspended Maldivian ministers against Bharat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
EaseMyTrip’s CEO, Nishant Pitti, announced the decision on social media, expressing support for the nation amidst the #BoycottMaldives campaign gaining traction. The campaign was sparked by the suspended ministers’ comments and led to Indian tourists reportedly canceling their vacations to the Maldives.
In a related initiative, EaseMyTrip began promoting Lakshadweep as a pristine alternative tourist destination, emphasizing its beauty and warmth. Prashant Pitti, one of the founders, mentioned on January 4 that special offers would be introduced to encourage travel to Lakshadweep.
The controversy unfolded when three Maldivian deputy ministers were suspended for their derogatory social media posts against Prime Minister Modi. The ministers criticized Modi’s post on ‘X,’ implying that Lakshadweep was being portrayed as an alternative to the Maldives. Bharat raised concerns over the remarks with the Maldives, leading to the immediate suspension of the officials responsible.
And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. pic.twitter.com/soQEIHBRKj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
Bharat celebrities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sachin Tendulkar, joined the chorus urging people to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of the Maldives. The remarks by the ministers were condemned as “hateful” and “racist” on social media.
The Maldivian foreign ministry responded by stating that the government is aware of the derogatory remarks on social media but clarified that personal views expressed do not represent its official position. The controversy highlights tensions between the two nations and the impact of diplomatic issues on tourism.
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