Parliament gets complaint against Khaleel over ‘India Out’ t-shirt

Parliament has received a case alleging that Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel violated parliamentary privileges by denying he wore a T-shirt with the words “India Out.”

During a sitting last week, MDP Parliamentary Group Leader and Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil asked Khaleel whether he had worn such a T-shirt. Khaleel responded that no such photograph existed on social media, but suggested that what may have been seen was a T-shirt connected to Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.

However, a photograph of Khaleel wearing a T-shirt with the phrase during the “India Out” campaign, held when the PPM-PNC was in opposition, has circulated widely online.

The matter was raised by MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who submitted the case along with a photograph of Khaleel wearing the T-shirt during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The case claims Khaleel misled parliament in his response and that evidence to the contrary is available on social media.

According to parliamentary rules, privilege matters must be submitted within seven days of the incident and must concern parliamentary or members’ privileges. The Speaker has discretion to decide whether the matter qualifies for debate, after which the House may vote on whether to proceed.

Khaleel previously served in the 18th parliament but was not active in politics until his recent appointment as Foreign Minister. He had participated in former President Abdulla Yameen’s trips to the islands during the “India Out” campaign, where some photographs showed him wearing T-shirts with campaign slogans.