Villimale' MP Mohamed Ismail, who was a leader in the India Out movement, has credited President Mohamed Muizzu as its biggest donor.
He said the the joint opposition leadership of Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) approved a proposal from former President Abdulla Yameen to begin the contentious movement.
"The decision was implemented by us, the leadership. I was in charge of it," the ruling party lawmaker said on August 8 during an appearance on Javaabudhaaree (Accountability) talk show of Mendhuru TV.
Mohamed Ismail said he was accompanied by Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeed, former MP Shifaq Mufeed, Deputy Minister Nabeel, Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) Deputy Managing Director Shaheed and a man named Abbas during visits to islands to promote the movement.
When questioned whether he funded the India Out movement, Ismail said he had never had such financial capacity.
He added that the movement was funded by donations from well-wishers and businessmen.
"Out of all of them, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu played the biggest role financially," he stated.
At the time, Muizzu was the mayor of Male' city. He faced multiple corruption allegations for selling land, selling parking spaces and other projects carried out by the city council.
But the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) did not take any action.
Muizzu's main pledge during the presidential election campaign was the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives.
But since assuming office, he reached an agreement with the Indian government to replace the unformed soldiers with members from the Hindustan Aeronautics Company under the Indian Defense Ministry.
The Indian government also recently announced that the agreement to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the Maldives had been extended.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Ismail said on the talk show that he now believes that the principle of dialogue could have been used to resolve the issue without carrying out the India Out movement.
PPM-PNC leaders continued to claim that Yameen ran the India Out movement. But Mohamed Ismail's remarks indicate that Muizzu was the main funder to maintain the movement's momentum.
