BJP Nominee In Hyderabad Faces Owaisi's Backlash Over Controversial Gesture At Ram Navmi Procession

Kompella Madhavi Latha, the BJP's candidate for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, was drawn into controversy after a video emerged of her gesturing to shoot an arrow aimed at a mosque.

The BJP nominee for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, Kompella Madhavi Latha, has found herself embroiled in controversy following the circulation of a video depicting her making a gesture as if shooting an arrow, purportedly aimed at a mosque.

Latha was partaking in a Ram Navmi procession near Siddiamber Bazaar Junction in old Hyderabad, riding an open-top vehicle. The procession was organised by BJP MLA T Raja Singh.

During the event, the mosque was veiled in white cloth to prevent any communal tensions. Latha, who has previously spoken about her efforts for Pasmanda Muslims and has been chosen to challenge AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for the seat, took to social media to provide clarification.

“It has come to my notice that one video of mine is being circulated in media to create negativity. I would like to clarify that it’s an incomplete video and even because of such video if anyone’s sentiments are hurt then I would like to apologise as I respect all individuals,” she stated.

Owaisi condemned Latha's gesture as provocative, objectionable, and vulgar. He urged the electorate to vote for the peace and prosperity of Hyderabad. Additionally, he questioned the Election Commission, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, District Election Officer, and Chief Electoral Officer for not taking immediate action against the BJP candidate.

"People of Hyderabad had seen BJP's intentions. They will not accept BJP-RSS' vulgar and provocative actions. Is this the 'Viksit Bharat' BJP is talking about? Bigger than elections is the peace of Hyderabad. I am confident that the people of Telangana will vote against BJP who are against peace in the state," Owaisi said, ANI reported.

An AIMIM representative mentioned their intention to write to the Election Commission of India and file a police complaint against her. When approached for comment, an EC spokesperson did not respond regarding whether the EC had received a complaint about the incident or taken any action.

At 49, Latha identifies herself as a "daughter of RSS," a "typical traditional Indian woman," an entrepreneur, hospital administrator, and a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.

Although new to politics, she gained prominence after being selected by the BJP to challenge Owaisi, whose party has maintained the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat since 1984. Earlier this month, she received accolades from the PM for her appearance on a television program.

In a previous interview with The Indian Express, she attributed the BJP's nomination to her 18 years of charitable work and cited it as an example of the party's ability to recognize individuals' potential.

“The BJP would not have picked me at all if Hindu-Muslim was my poll issue. The party knows I work with a lot of Muslims and I am compassionate towards them. I have been a fierce critic of triple talaq. If I can go on a hunger strike for a temple, I will do the same for a Muslim woman,” she affirmed.