Friday
22nd Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Ex Minister Shahid
India Attempted to Secure MDP's Presidential Ticket for Shahid: Sarangu Adam Manik
Foreign Minister Shahid with Indian Foreign Secretary.
The first-ever Mayor of Male' City and founding member of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) Sarangu Adam Manik has claimed that India had attempted to acquire MDP's 2018 presidential ticket for Abdulla Shahid, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the "Havaasaa" program on the Dhivehi Channel, Adam Manik made his claim while relating how President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih obtained the party's presidential ticket.
According to Adam Manik, former President Mohamed Nasheed had been expecting to get the ticket until the very last minute. However, stating that he is not allowed to compete, party officials decided to choose a candidate instead of boycotting the elections.
Shahid, whom the former mayor described as "India's candidate", was among those interested in acquiring MDP's ticket.
"Isn't India his party? Didn't he stop by India on the way to Dubai and leave DRP (Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party) to join MDP instead?" said Adam.
Adam Manik divulged that he was contacted by a number of Indian officials attempting to secure the ticket for Shahid. When he shared the information with former President Nasheed, he claimed Shahid was no longer trustworthy, and the ticket must be handed over to President Solih if Nasheed himself is unable to compete.
Sarangi Adam Manik also accused Shahid of constructing a secret Indian base near Male' unbeknownst to the parliament and citizens.