PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Visit

During his recent trip to Lakshadweep, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in conversations with the local people, shared snapshots of mesmerizing views of ancient coastlines, and his experiences with snorkeling. In a tweet, he praised the beauty of the island group and appreciated the warm welcome from its residents, and several pictures quickly went viral on social media.

Part of the Prime Minister’s extensive two-day tour of the centrally governed territories, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this journey was strategically planned ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In Lakshadweep, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects exceeding ₹1,150 crores, while also highlighting the completion of various other projects during his government’s ten-year tenure.

Beyond promoting the natural attractions of Lakshadweep, PM Modi positioned it as a crucial destination for adventurous individuals. This trip marked the initiation of the BJP’s ‘Mission South,’ symbolizing the beginning of his 2024 electoral campaign and preparations.

Supporting PM Modi’s call to boost tourism in Lakshadweep, Home Minister Amit Shah praised its picturesque coastlines and blue lagoons, envisioning its development as a global tourist hotspot.

However, PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit goes beyond just promoting tourism. Emphasizing the importance of “Vocal for Local,” he portrayed Lakshadweep not only as a group of islands but also as a repository of timeless traditions and the resilience and emotions of its people.

His advocacy for domestic tourism echoes previous appeals, urging Indians to choose local destinations for weddings and tourism. During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, he reiterated this and encouraged citizens to consider hosting weddings in India. This stance aligns with his efforts to promote local tourism and contribute to the economic development of various regions.

In addition, PM Modi’s endorsement of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination may be seen as a strategic move in response to the popularity of the Maldives among Indian travelers. India is now concentrating on the potential of Lakshadweep and its closeness to Chinese activities due to recent geopolitical developments and worries about China’s actions in the region.

Furthermore, PM Modi’s outreach to the Muslim population in Lakshadweep, the first by a BJP government for Haj pilgrims, and efforts to simplify Haj visa procedures, hold political significance. This gesture not only impacts Lakshadweep but also targets the Muslim community in Kerala, emphasizing the close ties between the two regions.

It appears that PM Modi’s address aimed to appeal to Muslim voters in both Lakshadweep and Kerala ahead of the upcoming elections, acknowledging the interdependence of Kerala on the centrally governed territory for its economy and resources.

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