Hyderabad Lok Sabha Election: Madhavi Latha, BJP Candidate, “Imaginary Arrow” Row: “Where Did Mosque Come From?

Madhavi Latha, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, posted a statement on Thursday evening, apologizing “if anyone’s feelings are hurt” after a video of her gesturing with an imaginary arrow was circulated. In the video, she is seen wearing saffron and pretending to shoot an arrow towards a building, with the clip panning to show a mosque at the point of the imaginary release. Ms Latha claimed the video is incomplete and attributed it to a conspiracy to create negativity.

She also asserted that the BJP works well with both Hindu and Muslim communities and accused the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) of inciting negativity and diverting attention. However, Asaduddin Owaisi, a critic of the BJP, expressed confidence that the people of Hyderabad would reject the BJP’s actions and highlighted the importance of peace and fraternity in the region. The AIMIM has called on the Election Commission to take action in response to the video controversy.

Hyderabad has 17 Lok Sabha seats, and the upcoming election on May 17 will determine the representation of these seats. The results will be announced on June 4.