Deputy Ministers Resign After Eight-Month Suspension for Anti-India Posts

Deputy Youth Ministers Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef have resigned from their positions following an eight-month suspension related to controversial social media posts targeting India.

The suspension of Shiuna and Malsha, effective January 7, was a result of their involvement in posting derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Alongside them, Abdulla Mahzoom Majid was also suspended in connection with the incident.

In their resignation statements, Shiuna and Malsha cited personal reasons for their decision to step down. They did not provide further details regarding their departure.

The controversy began in January during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, which triggered a backlash and led to the suspended ministers’ posts being widely criticized. Following calls from both Indian and Maldivian communities for their removal, the ministers deleted their posts, acknowledging concerns that their statements could damage Maldives-India relations.

The resignations come as the Maldives continues to navigate the implications of the diplomatic fallout resulting from the incident.