Post Linked To India Flag Sparks Row: Suspended Maldives Minister Apologises (image- twitter/shiuna_m)

Former Maldives minister Mariyam Shiuna on Monday apologized after a controversy that sparked over a social media post against the opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that had a symbol that resembles Ashok Chakra.

In the post on X, the former minister addressed the mistake and 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”.

She further added that it came to her notice lately that the image she has used in 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 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.

It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the…

— Mariyam Shiuna (@shiuna_m) April 8, 2024

The former minister in her post replaced a compass on an MDP poster with a symbol resembling the Ashok Chakra along with the plea to vote for her party in the upcoming Maldivian elections. This controversy has come against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives after President Mizzue took over.

“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,” the former minister concluded.

This is not the first time the minister has been in news over similar issues. Shiuna is among the three ministers who were suspended for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ever since the issues, the ties between India and Maldives have turned frosty. And it has worsened over the months.

This has resulted in the withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives between March and May. However, with the election around the corner, the Maldivian President has struck a reconciliatory tone and said India will continue to be his country’s “closest ally”.