Maldives News: Politics started on Yoga in pro-India Maldives, differences between President and Speaker

There is a situation of political instability in India's neighboring country Maldives.  The situation can be gauged from the fact that the MDP members are going to bring a no-confidence motion against their own President Nasheed.  Actually, there is a tussle going on in Maldives between President Ibrahim Solih and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.  The special thing is that both the leaders are considered pro-India and are members of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party.  With this, politics has also started in the name of Yoga in Maldives.  The special thing is that politics on yoga has started at the time when Presidential elections are to be held in Maldives in 2023.

President Mohamed Nasheed alleges that President Solih has an objectionable relationship with foreign women.  Nasheed alleges that President Solih's administration is politically motivated.  He further said that his administration is busy appeasing the hardliners in the coalition.  The President's Office has denied the President's allegations.  The special thing is that the controversy has started at a time when the Presidential elections are going to be held in the country next year.  Even before this election, there has been a tussle in the party for power between the two prominent leaders.  President Solih of Maldives is currently on a visit to India.

In an earlier interview, Nasheed had not ruled out the possibility that he would not contest the presidential election.  He had said that if people and party members decide, then I will contest the elections.  Meanwhile, the Adalath Party, an ally of the ruling coalition, released a research paper last week outlining the party's policies towards yoga.  He said that it is haram for Muslims.  He requested the President of Maldives and the people of the country that Maldives should uphold the Islamic tradition.

The Adalath Party said that steps should be taken to prevent yoga from becoming a common practice.  It is against Islamic beliefs.  The President of this party, Imran Abdullah, is the Home Minister of Maldives.  Earlier, in the program organized by the Indian Embassy on Yoga Day, Muslim fundamentalists created a ruckus.