BJP's fiery candidate Madhavi Latha stirs up emotions in Owaisi's fortress Hyderabad

BJP's Madhavi Latha is explicitly targeting minority-dominated booths, where she alleges that the AIMIM has exerted undue influence over voters for decades.

In the bustling heart of Hyderabad, the Lok Sabha elections set the stage for a high-stakes political contest with local and national implications. Asaduddin Owaisi, the charismatic leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is campaigning vigorously door-to-door, reaffirming his long-standing commitment to the community. On Saturday, he focused his campaign activities on densely populated areas such as Fateh Shah Nagar, Edi Bazar, and Kumarwadi. In these areas, he responded to recent criticisms with robust assurances of loyalty and unity.

"Yesterday, Amit Shah said that for the last 40 years, Razakars have been ruling over Hyderabad. Let me tell them that the Razakars have fled the country; the people staying here are those who have been loyal to this country and who have been defeating the RSS for the last 40 years. We will defeat them this time too. People from across the country and from all castes and communities live here," declared Owaisi, addressing the remarks made by the BJP leader during his visit to the city.

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Meanwhile, Madhavi Latha, the BJP candidate, was campaigning in the Gunfoundry Division of the Goshamahal constituency, a few kilometres from where the AIMIM candidate, Asaduddin Owaisi, was holding his rally. Despite facing legal challenges over a symbolic arrow shot during Rama Navami, Latha continued her campaign from an open-top vehicle surrounded by saffron flags. She believes that the police complaint against her was a misinterpretation of her cultural expression and reflects the heated atmosphere of this election cycle.

Latha's actions have stirred up communal tensions in Hyderabad, drawing both criticism and support. While some locals believe that she has succeeded in rallying the Hindu voters and has a good chance of winning, others feel apathetic towards the ongoing Lok Sabha election. Many people think there needs to be more public interest, so the political parties might intensify their election campaign a week before the May 13 polling. This lack of enthusiasm is also evident in the absence of typical electoral paraphernalia like posters and banners throughout significant areas of the Old City.

Madhavi Latha's approach has undeniably stirred the communal pot in Hyderabad, drawing both criticism and admiration. Local shopkeeper Ravi Naidu remarks, "She has succeeded in rallying the Hindu voters. She is going to give a tough fight to Owaisi. She might even win," reflecting a sentiment of potential political upheaval.

Also read | Asaduddin Owaisi: The dominant force in Hyderabad politics

Yet, despite the intensity of these individual campaigns, there's a palpable disinterest among the general populace regarding the elections. Noor Mohammed, who runs a pan shop, notes, "Unlike in the Assembly election, the Lok Sabha election doesn't seem to generate any interest in the public. The political parties might intensify the election campaign a week ahead of the May 13 polling." This sentiment is visible in the absence of typical electoral paraphernalia like posters and banners in a significant stretch of the Old City.

Madhavi Latha's campaign was significantly boosted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed and praised her performance in a televised debate. Modi tweeted that she had made excellent points and argued with logic and passion, indicating a strategic move by the BJP to challenge the AIMIM's dominance in the constituency.

The Owaisi family has been the dominant force in the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat since 1984. Asaduddin's father, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, started the legacy, which was then continued by Asaduddin. Asaduddin has expanded his electoral margin over the years and has solidified the party's control across six of the seven Assembly segments.

Also read: AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi enters UP elections, rattles political landscape

Madhavi Latha, a political newcomer, has brought a narrative of change and empowerment to the BJP's campaign. She is explicitly targeting minority-dominated booths, where she alleges that the AIMIM has exerted undue influence over voters for decades. Latha claims that there has been tremendous fear-based pressure on voters for the last 40 years and has signalled her commitment to transformative politics.

Owaisi and Latha are actively urging the electorate, which totals over 19 lakh voters, to participate in the polls. The decreasing voter turnout, from 76.76% in 1984 to just 44.84% in 2019, highlights a critical disconnection or fatigue among voters, emphasizing the need for renewed engagement.

Amid this electoral fervour, Mohammed Sameer Waliullah, the Congress candidate, advocates for moderation, urging voters to focus on welfare and development rather than communal politics. However, the primary battle appears between the AIMIM and the BJP, with national attention mainly focused on Latha's campaign.

Beyond political rhetoric, Latha advocates for social justice issues, including her work with Pasmanda Muslim women and her support for the triple talaq legislation. This approach aims to appeal to a broader segment of the electorate.

As the election date approaches, the importance of Hyderabad's Lok Sabha seat becomes more significant. It serves as a crucial test for more extensive national discussions on minority rights, communal harmony, and the political empowerment of underrepresented groups. Owaisi, a well-known national spokesperson for Muslim issues, and Latha, who challenges established narratives, create an intriguing story of the potential for change in Hyderabad's diverse community.

The unfolding electoral drama in Hyderabad is a microcosm of India's more significant political and social challenges. Each alley and meeting point in the historic Old City becomes a stage for debate and decision-making, shaping not just the future of a constituency but potentially influencing national political strategies and community alignments. The outcome of this election is poised to have far-reaching implications, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's electoral history.