India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep, comprising 36 islands spanning 32 sq km, witnessed a historic moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for development projects exceeding ₹1,150 crore. The capital, Kavaratti, served as the focal point for these initiatives, reinforcing Lakshadweep’s significance on the national map.
During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated projects to transform the Union Territory. The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI – SOFC) project promises to revolutionize internet speed, while the Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat will produce 1.5 lakh liters of clean drinking water daily. Additionally, Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) were introduced in Agatti and Minicoy islands.
PM Modi’s enthusiastic endorsement of Lakshadweep’s beauty sparked controversy as Maldivian politicians and social media users engaged in a heated online exchange. Offensive comments, particularly from Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, triggered a social media war. Shiuna’s derogatory remarks and comparisons between India and cow dung escalated tensions.
Also Read: Discover the Untouched Beauty of Lakshadweep — Must-Do Activities in Lakshadweephttps://khabarr.com/news/best-time-to-visit-lakshadweep-and-must-do-activities-in-lakshadweep/
Despite PM Modi’s focus on promoting Lakshadweep, some Maldivian news websites misconstrued the narrative, falsely claiming India initiated a campaign against tourism in the Maldives. This misinterpretation fueled a cascade of insults and offensive remarks on social media, perpetuating a misunderstanding between the nations.
PM Modi’s visit catapulted Lakshadweep into the spotlight, making it the most searched keyword on Google. Google trends on January 6 revealed that ‘Lakshadweep’ trended for two consecutive days after the Prime Minister shared photos of the picturesque islands. Over 100,000 daily searches on Google reflect the heightened interest in Lakshadweep.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the… pic.twitter.com/tYW5Cvgi8N
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
Expressing his admiration for Lakshadweep’s beauty and the warmth of its people, PM Modi’s post on ‘X’ gained widespread attention. Lakshadweep, as a tourist destination, saw a surge in popularity, with more than 50,000 Google searches recorded on Friday after the Prime Minister’s endorsement.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the coastal town not only marked a major infrastructure development but also sparked a controversy on social media, highlighting the importance of online interaction in shaping global perception. The surge in interest in the area has made it a top tourist destination, and it’s become a household name across the country.