Lakshadweep Lok Sabha constituency covers the entire area of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This seat is reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
As of 2014 data, it is the smallest Lok Sabha constituency by number of voters.
"During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was!," Modi tweeted.
He further wrote:
"And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss."
"In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep's tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians," the Prime Minister wrote.
Modi also had excellent interactions with the beneficiaries of various government schemes.
"It's inspiring to see firsthand how these initiatives are fostering better health, self-reliance, women empowerment, improved agricultural practices and more. The life journeys I heard were truly moving," he wrote on X.
"Our focus in Lakshadweep is to uplift lives through enhanced development. In addition to creating futuristic infrastructure, it is also about creating opportunities for better healthcare, faster internet and drinking water, while protecting as well celebrating the vibrant local culture," he wrote.
"The projects that were inaugurated reflect this spirit," he says.
An archipelago of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km, making it the country’s smallest UT, Lakshadweep may seem a speck in the BJP’s grand India project. However, from the perspective of the projection of Modi as a national leader cutting across the North-South discourse, to reinforcing his government’s message of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ in a territory that is almost entirely Muslim, Lakshadweep is a crucial speck - 'Indian Express'.
There's another area of importance. Lakshadweep is considered particularly vital due to the increased Chinese engagement in its neighbours Sri Lanka and Maldives.
BJP leaders say the PM’s visit, his announcement of development projects and the party’s growing activities in Lakshadweep are all part of the importance the Modi government places on territories that are strategically significant.
"Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti.
I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep...". - Modi tweeted.
In his speech at Kavaratti announcing the projects for Lakshadweep, the Prime Minister said,
“After Independence, the only priority of governments that remained at the Centre for decades was the development of their own political parties. Far-off states, border areas or those in the middle of the ocean were not given any attention… In the last 10 years, our government has made border areas and areas at the edge of the sea its priority…
"In 2020, I guaranteed you that you will get a fast Internet facility within the next 1,000 days. Today, the Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine Optical Fibre Project has been inaugurated. Now, Internet in Lakshadweep will be available at 100 times higher speed," he told the people.
In August 2023, a row erupted over 'new uniform order' for students in Lakshadweep and Congress has warned of intense protests in the island against the move. The party has warned the Lakshadweep’s administration of intense protests, including mass class boycott by students against it.
Lakshadweep Congress leader and ex-MP Hamdullah Sayeed alleged that the new dress code directive, which is silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students, amounted to destroying the intrinsic culture and lifestyle of islanders in the Muslim-dominated archipelago. He alleged the BJP-led government at the Centre and the Lakshadweep administration were continuously attempting to implement anti-people policies that were totally against the culture and ethos of the islands.
He added the latest on the list was the recent order issued by the Education Department introducing a new uniform code, which cannot be accepted in any way, the report mentioned.
In 2004, P. Pookunhi Koya of Janata Dal won the seat and could defeat Congress stalwart P M Sayeed, who was then Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. However, Sayeed became Power Minister under Manmohan Singh government.
In 2009, Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed won the seat for Congress. But in 2014 and 2019, the prestigious seat had been bagged by Mohammed Faizal Padippura of the Nationalist Congress Party. BJP has reasons to try for the seat in 2024.
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