A membership drive for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) was held during an event conducted by the Economic Ministry in Addu City, a government official has said.

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed met businessmen of Addu at 10:00 am on September 14. The event was held at the Addu City Council Conference Hall.

According to the invitation sent to businessmen, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss business opportunities and the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Senior officials of the Business Center Corporation (BCC) also attended the meeting.

Invitation sent by the Economic Ministry.

Photos of the meeting have been shared on social media by the official accounts of the Economic Ministry.

However, a government official posted the same photos on social media saying it was a PNC membership drive. It was posted by a senior political director of the Construction Ministry.

Many social media users have criticised the government for using state resources to promote the ruling party.