A recent action taken by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the centre of Hyderabad’s political arena has sparked a flurry of controversy. A video that appeared online of Madhavi Latha making a dramatic motion that resembled shooting an arrow close to a mosque during an election rally put her at the centre of attention. Latha is running for the Lok Sabha seat in Hyderabad. The incident has sparked strong criticism and increased hostilities between political factions in the city, coinciding with the run-up to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Latha wearing saffron clothing and a yellow flower garb around her neck. In the video, which plays loud music, she playfully pretends to draw an arrow from a made-up quiver, aim it, and shoot it into the sky. But just as the arrow is released, the camera pans to reveal a mosque in the distance, leading to claims of intentional provocation.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the head of AIMIM, immediately denounced the conduct, calling it “vulgar, obscene, and provocative.” Prominent politician from Hyderabad Owaisi charged that the BJP was trying to stir up trouble and disturb the calm in the city. The gesture made by the BJP candidate during a Ram Navami rally worsened the situation and increased the already charged political atmosphere.
Madhavi Latha released a statement in reaction to the criticism, apologising if the video upset anyone. She defended herself, nevertheless, saying that the video that had been making the rounds was not full and that she had intended to shoot symbolic targets in the sky to commemorate Ram Navami rather than the mosque. Latha denied claims of purposeful provocation and underlined that her party collaborated well with the Muslim and Hindu populations.
The BJP and AIMIM in Hyderabad are now more at odds than before, with Owaisi’s party calling on the Election Commission to intervene against what they consider to be a provocative move. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the dispute highlights the wider difficulties existing in the area.
Hyderabad, a city renowned for its varied population and rich cultural legacy, has long served as a battlefield for political groups vying for power. All parties have a lot on the line as 17 Lok Sabha seats, including the vital Hyderabad constituency, are up for grabs in Telangana. The electoral dynamics are further complicated by the BJP’s attempt to gain ground in an area that is dominated by Owaisi’s AIMIM.
The controversy surrounding Madhavi Latha‘s gesture serves as a sharp reminder of the entrenched political differences and scheming that define Indian politics as the electoral war intensifies. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, Hyderabad is the centre of attention as it gets ready for a clash of opposing philosophies and plans for the city’s future.
