Telugu actor Nagarjuna cancels Maldives trip and has joined the growing list of celebrities who have decided to boycott the Maldives as a tourist destination.
He decided this after the controversial comments made by some Maldivian officials against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Nagarjuna Cancels Maldives Trip in Protest of Maldivian Ministers’ Insults to PM Modi
Nagarjuna, who recently wrapped up the shooting of Bigg Boss and Naa Saami Ranga, revealed in an interview that he had planned to visit the Maldives on January 17 with his family, but he canceled his tickets after learning about the derogatory remarks made by the Maldivian ministers.
South Superstar Nagarjuna cancels Maldives holiday, said it's not right. PM Modi is our Prime Minister. He is leading 1.5 billion people. He is the leader of 1.5 billion people and whatever statements they gave is not right…. CANCEL pic.twitter.com/HKKY48p4bf
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 14, 2024
“It is not healthy at all, what they have said. And it is not right, he is our Prime Minister and the leader of 1.5 billion people. Whatever they said is not right, so we canceled our trip,” Nagarjuna told the media.
Nagarjuna cancels Maldives trip because of disrespect of PM Modi
He also clarified that he was not afraid of the Maldives, but he did not want to support a country that disrespected India’s Prime Minister. “I did not cancel it because of fear or anything. I canceled the tickets because it is not healthy,” he said.
Instead of the Maldives, Nagarjuna said he was looking forward to visiting Lakshadweep’s Bangaram Islands, which he praised for their beauty and tranquility. He also suggested his fellow actor and friend MM Keeravani visit Lakshadweep soon.
Nagarjuna Shows His Patriotism
Nagarjuna’s decision comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Maldives, after three Deputy Ministers of Maldives – Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid – mocked India and Prime Minister Modi’s pitch to visit Indian islands. Modi had visited the Lakshadweep Islands and posted pictures of him chilling on the beach and even snorkeling.
What’s the issue between India and Maldives?
The Maldivian ministers’ remarks were widely condemned across India, and the Indian Foreign Ministry summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb over the matter. India is said to have expressed its displeasure on the issue.
The Maldives government later dismissed the three ministers who made objectionable remarks about Modi and said that the statements given by the ministers in this matter were personal and the government had nothing to do with it.
Boycott Maldives on Social Media
However, the damage was already done, as many Indians took to social media to call for a boycott of the Maldives as a tourist destination. Several celebrities, including film stars, sportspersons, and influencers, also urged people to visit Indian tourist places instead of going to the Maldives. Many Indian tourists also gave information on social media about the cancellation of their trip to the Maldives.
Ticketing portals EaseMyTrip and STIC announced that they will not be offering services to the Maldives any longer, citing the anti-India sentiments in the island nation.
The Maldives, which is known for its scenic beaches and luxury resorts, is one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists, especially celebrities. However, the recent controversy has cast a shadow over the bilateral ties between the two countries, and the tourism industry of the Maldives.
