Pankaj Tripathi Asks Indians To Visit Lakshadweep, Says, 'People Visit Maldives Only To Show Off'

In a surprising turn of events, a tourism boycott against the Maldives has been initiated by Indian tourists, following the alleged mocking of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian officials during his visit to Lakshadweep. Indian celebrities and citizens alike have been actively encouraging their compatriots to opt for Lakshadweep over the Maldives as a vacation destination.

The controversy erupted after Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, during which he refrained from explicitly mentioning the Maldives in his posts. However, his enthusiastic praise for the picturesque landscapes of Lakshadweep was perceived by some as a strategic move to divert tourists from the Maldives to Indian destinations.

Among those weighing in on the Lakshadweep versus Maldives debate is Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi. Currently promoting his upcoming movie Main Atal Hoon, where he portrays the late BJP leader and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Tripathi shared his views on the matter in a recent interview with News18.

When asked about visiting the Maldives, Tripathi remarked that people usually choose the Maldives for ostentatious displays on social media. Instead, he advocated for visiting Lakshadweep or Ayodhya, emphasising his consistent support for promoting tourism within India. Tripathi expressed his encouragement for his children to explore various destinations within the country.

Addressing the question of a potential visit to Ayodhya during the consecration ceremony, Tripathi revealed that he had not received an invitation and cited concerns about the current crowded conditions. However, he expressed a desire to visit the Ram temple later with his family. Notably, Tripathi is not among the celebrities invited to the grand consecration event on January 22.

In a parallel stance, the director and producer of Main Atal Hoon, Rajiv Jadhav and Vinod Bhanushali, declared their refusal to shoot in or visit the Maldives. The movie is scheduled for release on January 19.

The unexpected tourism boycott highlights the impact of political and social sentiments on travel choices, showcasing the potential repercussions for popular international destinations dependent on Indian tourism.