Former Maldives minister apologises after backlash over post on Indian flag
Mariyam Shiuna, suspended minister of the Maldives, issued an apology following backlash over social media post targeting the opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for its symbol resembling the Ashok Chakra.
Taking to her X handle, Mariyam Shiuna wrote, “I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism .I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post.”
I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism .I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post.
It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the… — Mariyam Shiuna (@shiuna_m) April 8, 2024
“It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional, and I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused,” she added.
“Maldives deeply value its relationship and, the mutual respect we share with India. In future I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights,” former minister Mariyam Shiuna further added.
With elections on the horizon, the Maldives President has adopted a conciliatory stance, affirming India's continued status as his country's "closest ally." He has also called upon New Delhi to consider providing debt relief to the Maldives, which owed approximately $400.9 million to India as of the end of 2023.
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In light of these developments, the recently deleted remarks by the suspended minister have placed the People's National Congress in a delicate position.
This isn't the first instance where Shiuna has attracted attention for her comments concerning India. Previously, her remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep had elicited a strong reaction from former Maldives President, Mohamed Nasheed.
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