PPM in their statement said that though Adhaalath Party had been founded with the purpose of protecting Islamic principles, Imran as their leader was working against the values on which the party had been founded on. The ruling party said that they condemned the “autocratic” work which Imran was carrying out to blame the government, carried out without the say of party scholars and other members. “The party’s members and scholars have been saying that Sheikh Imran Abdulla’s work as President of Adhaalath Party is very autocratic, done with to grasp all the powers inside his fist,” read the statement. PPM’s criticism of Imran comes after Adhaalath Party – led by Imran - left the government coalition to join opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after expressing dissatisfaction over some government activities. Imran has also been leading nightly street protests in Male’ against the government. PPM said that though Imran claimed to work against the government to protect Islam and protest against government wrongdoings it was unacceptable that he protest in defence of someone who outright criticized Prophet and Islamic religion. PPM was referring to MDP leader and former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed – currently serving a 13 year prison sentence. PPM said that Adhaalath Party had been unable to show any proof of any illegal or irreligious thing the government may have done. “…And spreading such childish, baseless talk – in this party’s opinion – is a personal vendetta designed to disrupt social harmony and peace. It is low coming from someone in the leader position of such a party,” read the statement.