18 Apr. 24
During a Ram Navmi procession in old Hyderabad, Kompella Madhavi Latha, the BJP candidate from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, found herself embroiled in controversy after a video surfaced showing her making a gesture that some interpreted as targeting a mosque.
The incident occurred as Latha participated in a rally organized by BJP MLA T Raja Singh near Siddiamber Bazaar Junction. Riding in an open-top vehicle amidst the festivities, Latha was filmed gesturing as if shooting an arrow towards a mosque, which had been covered in white cloth to prevent communal tensions during the procession.
Following the circulation of the video, Latha took to social media to offer an explanation, asserting that the video was incomplete and apologizing if it had hurt anyone’s sentiments, emphasizing her respect for all individuals.
In response, Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM chief and incumbent Hyderabad MP, criticized Latha’s gesture as provocative, objectionable, and vulgar. Owaisi urged the electorate to prioritize voting for peace and prosperity in Hyderabad and questioned the Election Commission and local authorities for not taking immediate action against Latha.
In light of the controversy, AIMIM officials announced their intention to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India and file a police complaint against Latha.
Despite the growing outcry, an Election Commission spokesperson refrained from commenting on whether any official complaints had been received or action taken regarding the incident.
Kompella Madhavi Latha, a 49-year-old BJP candidate, describes herself as a “daughter of RSS,” a traditional Indian woman, entrepreneur, hospital administrator, and Bharatanatyam dancer. Her candidacy, a surprise choice by the BJP challenging Owaisi’s longstanding hold on the Hyderabad seat, has garnered attention after receiving praise from the Prime Minister for her television appearance.
In an earlier interview with The Indian Express, Latha emphasized that her selection by the BJP was a recognition of her 18 years of charity work and highlighted her commitment to humanitarian causes, dismissing Hindu-Muslim issues as her primary campaign focus. She emphasized her close work with Muslims and her opposition to practices like triple talaq, presenting herself as an advocate for both Hindu and Muslim causes.
