EaseMyTrip suspends Maldives flight bookings amid anti-PM Modi posts controversy

Online travel company EaseMyTrip has announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the Maldives in response to derogatory remarks made by suspended Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CEO Nishant Pitti expressed solidarity with India, citing the controversy over anti-PM Modi posts related to his visit to Lakshadweep. The move comes as part of the #ChaloLakshadweep campaign initiated by EaseMyTrip, supporting India in the midst of the online #BoycottMaldives movement.

The decision by EaseMyTrip follows the suspension of three deputy ministers in the Maldivian government for social media posts criticizing PM Modi. The posts implied that Modi's visit to Lakshadweep aimed to promote it as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. In response, the Indian government conveyed its concerns to the Maldives, resulting in the immediate suspension of the officials responsible for the controversial remarks.

The social media campaign against the Maldives gained momentum, with reports of Indian tourists canceling planned vacations to the island nation. EaseMyTrip's co-founder, Prashant Pitti, further supported Lakshadweep as a pristine destination and vowed to introduce special offers to promote tourism.

In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings ✈️ #TravelUpdate #SupportingNation #LakshadweepTourism #ExploreIndianlslands #Lakshadweep#ExploreIndianIslands @kishanreddybjp @JM_Scindia @PMOIndia @tourismgoi @narendramodi @incredibleindia https://t.co/wIyWGzyAZY

— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) January 7, 2024