The BJP candidate, Kompella Madhavi Latha, from Hyderabad’s Lok Sabha area, stirred up a huge controversy by making a hand gesture like shooting an arrow, supposedly towards a mosque, in a video.
She was in a procession for Ram Navami near Siddiamber Bazaar Junction in old Hyderabad, riding in an open-top vehicle, organized by BJP MLA T Raja Singh. To avoid tension, the mosque was covered in white cloth during the event.
Latha has responded to the incident. She said, “I noticed that a video of me is being shared in the media to cause trouble. I want to explain that it’s an incomplete video. Still, if anyone’s feelings were hurt because of that video, I’m sorry. I respect everyone.”
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Latha’s gesture as provocative and offensive, urging people to vote for peace. He questioned why authorities didn’t take action against her. AIMIM officials plan to complain to the Election Commission of India and file a police report.
Latha, 49, describes herself as a “daughter of RSS,” a traditional Indian woman, entrepreneur, hospital administrator, and Bharatanatyam dancer.
She gained attention after being chosen by the BJP to challenge Owaisi, who has held the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat since 1984. She recently got praise from the PM for appearing on a TV show.
#Hyderabad—- A video has caused a stir in the Hyderabad Parliament Constituency. @asadowaisi – Is the EC blind, such acts only create negativity and communal hatred. @Kompella_MLatha – I would like to clarify that this is an incomplete video and if anyone's feelings are hurt… pic.twitter.com/Irt4VetY9G
— @Coreena Enet Suares (@CoreenaSuares2) April 18, 2024
