From pristine beaches to an exhilarating snorkelling experience in Lakshadweep, pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to India’s smallest union territory sparked a frenzy on social media among travellers in the country and abroad.
The derogatory posts by Maldivian ministers against PM Modi and India after some users on the internet started “Lakshadweep vs Maldives” debate, gave a big push to tourism in Lakshadweep, with celebrities and politicians urging citizens to visit places in India.
In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep’s tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/VeQi6gmjIM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
Amid the row, “Boycott Maldives” started trending on social media, prompting several Indians to cancel their trips to the Maldives, which heavily relies on tourism and received more than 2.09 lakh visitors from India in 2023.
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Speaking to CNN-News18, Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel said that the island’s fortune changed after the PM’s trip.
With thousands of enquiries about staying in the UT, Patel assured that the administration is not worried about the inflow of tourists as Lakshadweep has sufficient infrastructure to handle them.
“We are anticipating a huge surge in tourists in Lakshadweep. We will be benefitted because of this PM’s trip and not because of the anger of Maldives,” Patel said.
Praful Patel, Lakshadweep Administrator speaks exclusively on current Lakshadweep Vs Maldives row @brajeshksingh speaks to Lakshadweep Administrator Praful K Patel@poonam_burde | #NationAt5 #Maldives pic.twitter.com/V0gchJHrkS— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 8, 2024
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The administrator said resorts and villas are being constructed on some of the islands for tourists. “This will help with accommodation. We have received direction on the development of tourism and we are working on that. Some islands are strategically important so to keep a check on that, the system that is there if it continues then there shouldn’t be an issue… There is no problem in taking an online permit,” he added.
The administration is expecting over Rs 20,000 crore investments in the coming days.
Patel said Maldivian leaders, who have made controversial comments do not suit their stature. “The PM has been standing with Maldives shoulder to shoulder. Remark by people from Maldives has of course created discontent because of the insult… so of course they are angry,” he said.
The administrator further said drinking water issues, issues of fishermen and other issues were resolved by the Prime Minister in the last few years.
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