Ranveer Singh, Kirren Rijiju Share Maldives Picture to Support Lakshwadeep, Get Trolled

In the wake of growing tensions between India and the Maldives following a controversial tweet by a Maldives minister regarding the Lakshadweep Islands, Ranveer Singh joined the bandwagon of promoting Lakshwadeep as the go to spot for holidays over Maldives. However, he mistakenly shared a 2016 picture of the Maldives instead of Lakshadweep in his tweet. Ranveer wrote on X, “This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country. Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands Chalo bharat dekhe.” Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also  used pictures from the Maldives and Bora Bora islands to endorse the cause. Kiren is using these images in every tweet responding to the actors and their support. One of the X users shared images of Bora Bora and wrote, “This is the most embarrassing one.. coming from a Cabinet minister.”

You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives.

What is wrong with you, Ranveer? pic.twitter.com/lf0VAWE2GJ

— Suraj Balakrishnan (@SurajBala) January 8, 2024

Cabinet ministers are not far behind 😭https://t.co/5t5caxiQwz

— Rituraj (@CrimsonScalpel) January 8, 2024

After the users pointed out the gaffe, Ranveer promptly deleted the post and shared it again, this time sans any picture, to be on the safer side. Users didn't spare Ranveer after the correction either. One wrote, “Too late to delete , the internet always wins laughing with tears emojis.” Another commented, “Posted a Maldives pic and deleted looking eyes emoji.” For the past few days, several people including celebrities and cricketers have express their solidarity with the archipelago and encourage fellow citizens to explore the beauty of the islands. The tussle between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian ministers made derogatory posts on PM Modi's recent trip to Lakshadweep where he pitched the island as a domestic tourist destination.  The comments were met with a huge backlash with #BoycottMaldives trending on social media and several Indian claiming to cancel their holiday to the island nation. After the criticism, the government of Maldives suspended the three deputy ministers saying their personal views do not represent its position. Apart from Ranveer, superstar Akshay Kumar also joined Maldives vs Lakshwadeep debate. 

हे भूतपूर्व कनेडियन और नये नये भारतीय नागरिक बने मेरे भाई आपको 7 दिन पहले लक्षद्वीप याद नहीं आया और आज़ आप बोल रहे हैं कि हमें हमारे टूरिज्म का समर्थन करना चाहिए!🤔 pic.twitter.com/7ZBD6pxfpr

— Rajkumar Swami (@swamiraj636) January 7, 2024

Imagine an actor talking about Promoting indian Tourism who himself used to reject movies if they were shot in India and not foreign countries.

Hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai pic.twitter.com/A5pkKdhII9

— Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) January 7, 2024

On his social media platform, he shared, "Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism." His post got instant viral on x and people started praising for his stance. While some users highlighted a video showcasing Akshay Kumar, his wife Twinkle, and their family enjoying a vacation in the Maldives. One user remarked, "Akshay Kumar was busy vacationing with his family in Maldives last week. Now he is lecturing others to explore Indian islands." Another user expressed, "Hypocrite number one." Yet another user wrote, "Hey former Canadian and newly converted Indian citizen, my brother, you did not remember Lakshadweep 7 days ago and today you are saying that we should support our tourism! "