(Left) BJP's Madhvi Latha (Right) AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi
Madhavi Latha, a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has emerged as a significant challenger for Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), on his home turf of Hyderabad. Latha’s sudden rise in prominence and her growing influence have stirred speculation about the shifting political dynamics in the city.
With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections looming large, Latha’s entry into the political arena has injected a fresh wave of enthusiasm among BJP supporters. Her vocal advocacy for Hindutva principles and her unwavering commitment to the party’s ideology have garnered attention and support from segments of the electorate, particularly in areas where the BJP has been traditionally weak.
One of the key factors contributing to Latha’s rise as a challenger to Owaisi is her ability to connect with voters beyond traditional party lines. Hailing from a non-political background, Latha’s grassroots approach and her focus on addressing local issues resonate with many residents, who perceive her as a refreshing alternative to established political figures.
In a recent interview on India TV’s ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ programme, Latha pledged to speak only the truth, seeking blessings from Kashi Visvesvaraya and Bhagwan Shankara at the outset.Her fearless interview garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who took to X and minced no words in showering praise on her.
Popularly referred to as Lady Singham, Madhvi Latha minced no words in reiterating that her tough image was the need of the hour and that it gave a much needed boost to her supporters. During her televised interview, she shared personal anecdotes and revealed her upbringing in an area within the Yakatpura Vidhan Sabha constituency in Old Hyderabad. She lamented the lack of progress and development in the area over the past 25 years, highlighting issues such as flooding during rainfall and the absence of proper educational institutions. Latha also criticised appeasement politics, asserting that it has contributed to the impoverishment of both Hindus and Muslims in the region.
Latha’s responses clearly exposed and challenged the established narratives, offering a fresh perspective for Hyderabad’s future. This is one of the major reasons why Owaisi is on tenterhooks.
She recalled about her childhood, interrupted by a flood in 1998 that washed away her old albums, as showcased by India’s TV’s Rajat Sharma, who was interviewing her during the programme “Aap ki Adalat”.
Hailing from the Yakatpura Vidhan Sabha constituency in Old Hyderabad, Latha highlighted the stagnation in development in the past 25 years. She lamented the recurrent flooding, lack of adequate educational infrastructure, and alleged appeasement politics resulting in the impoverishment of both Hindu and Muslim communities.
Latha disclosed the exodus of Hindus from the area due to communal riots, leaving only a handful of Hindu households where once there were a hundred.The real portrayal of the condition of Hyderabad by BJP’s Madhvi Latha has truly rattled Owaisi.
Responding to queries regarding Hyderabad’s status as a major metropolis, she drew a distinction between the IT hub and the neglected parliamentary constituency comprising seven Vidhan Sabha constituencies.
This revelation of the real picture of Hyderabad by the BJP’s Madhvi Latha, which is not rosy, clearly exposes that Owaisi did little for the development of his constituency and merely indulged in instilling fear among the Hindus and appeased the people of his own community.
Madhavi Latha vehemently refuted accusations of being anti-Muslim, raised by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) and others.
Latha highlighted her advocacy for education among impoverished Muslim families, expressing concern over children being sent to madrassas instead of regular schools. She revealed facing threats from Maulanas for visiting Islamic seminaries but remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice for Muslim women.
Latha denounced Triple Talaq and criticised practices that are contrary to Quranic teachings. She emphasised that government schemes are inclusive of all sections of society, including Muslims, debunking allegations of discrimination.
Latha as a significant contender in the upcoming elections, challenging the status quo and addressing longstanding grievances in the neglected quarters of Hyderabad.
On the question of the Uniform Civil Code, Madhvi Latha launched a scathing attack at Owaisi and took him head on by asking him, “How did the discussion of bedrooms come into play on the topic of the Uniform Civil Code?” She dismissed his claims that UCC would erode Muslim identity, retorting, “Only the identity of Asaduddin Owaisi will be exposed.”
She said that such views of Owaisi reflect his patriarchal mindset and exposed his double standards by criticising his suggestion of a hijab-wearing Muslim girl becoming Prime Minister. She retorted by saying, “Even after a woman becomes Prime Minister, she is still not allowed to show her face/uphold her identity.”
She delved into historical grievances, highlighting the role of AIMIM and its Razakars in oppressing Hindus before Hyderabad’s liberation. Latha warned of electoral defeat for AIMIM, proclaiming, “Hindus and Muslims will unite and defeat them.”
Accusing Owaisi and his brother of neglecting mosques in Hyderabad while fixating on the Babri Masjid issue, Latha alleged their involvement in building apartments on mosque sites. She asserted, “They broke a mosque, joined hands with builders, and built apartments in Hyderabad.”
Putting Owaisi and his brother in dock, Madhvi Latha levelled serious allegations by accusing the former of neglecting the condition of mosques in Hyderabad. Latha claimed that while the Owaisi brothers remain fixated on the Babri Masjid issue, they have ignored the plight of mosques in Hyderabad.
Alleging complicity in questionable activities, Latha exposed the Owaisi brother sand said, “They broke a mosque, joined hands with builders, and built apartments in Hyderabad.” These accusations add fuel to the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) ahead of the elections.
Latha launched a scathing attack on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), accusing the party of exploiting the sensitive issue of beef consumption to garner Muslim votes.
Latha criticised AIMIM’s purported strategy of using beef as a political tool, citing a newspaper cutting claiming that Muslims would lose the right to eat beef if AIMIM was not voted into power. Mocking the party’s approach, she questioned, “Have you seen anyone write in their manifesto that you will not be allowed to eat chicken if you do not vote for us?”
Characterising AIMIM’s tactics as misleading, Latha emphasised the importance of adhering to the laws of the land and cited a fatwa advocating Muslims’ compliance with local regulations. She urged AIMIM to respect Hindu sentiments regarding the sacredness of cows and called for adherence to Indian laws and dietary restrictions.
Madhavi Latha’s vociferous criticisms reflect the intensifying political rhetoric ahead of the elections, with tensions escalating between BJP and AIMIM. As the campaign unfolds, the exchanges between the two parties are likely to shape the electoral discourse in Hyderabad and beyond.
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