Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking everything personally since he came to power in 2014, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said commenting on the recent India-Maldives diplomatic row.
Talking to presspersons in Karnataka, Kharge said, “After Narendra Modi came to power he is taking everything personally. At the international level, we should keep a good relationship with our neighbours. We should act according to time. We can not change our neighbours," ANI reported.
Recently, three deputy ministers in Maldives made derogatory remarks against Prime Narendra Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring that it was an attempt to project the union territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. The ministers - Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid - were suspended after the remarks sparked an uproar on social media, with celebrities joining in to promote Indian destinations.
Maldives government issued a statement saying the opinions do not represent the official stand and on Monday, Maldives’ Ambassador at Large met with India’s High Commissioner in Male and clarified that the comments do not represent the government’s view.
However, Congress ally and NCP leader Sharad Pawar condemned the remarks and categorically said they would not accept outsider’s comments against the Indian prime minister. “He is the prime minister of our country and if anyone from any other country holding any position makes such comments on our PM, we won't accept it. We must respect the PM's post. We won't accept anything against the prime minister from outside the country."