On a sunny Sunday, the 7th of April, an interesting political event took place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter with a special request for the citizens. He urged everyone to dedicate some time to watch a significant 1.5-hour-long interview. The interview in question featured Madhavi Latha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. She is the chosen one to stand against Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM leader, representing the Muslim-majority Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency.

In his tweet, Prime Minister Modi expressed admiration for the content and the delivery of the interview. “Madhavi Latha Ji, your ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ episode is exceptional. You’ve made very solid points and also done so with logic and passion. My best wishes to you. I also urge everyone to watch the repeat telecast of this programme at 10 AM or 10 PM today. You all will find it very informative.”

Madhavi Latha, who embraces a background in social work, has been chosen by the saffron party to face the AIMIM in its stronghold, Hyderabad. This strategic move is a topic of wide discussion. Her interview, conducted by journalist Rajat Sharma on the renowned ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show, initially aired on India TV on the preceding Saturday, the 6th of April, has sparked interest across the political spectrum.

At the beginning of her televised discussion, Madhavi Latha displayed a traditional gesture. She took blessings from Kashi Visvesvaraya and Lord Shankara, setting a tone of sincerity and reverence for her speech. She vowed to uphold truth throughout her dialogue in the programme, thereby promising an earnest and straightforward communication.

When faced with Rajat Sharma’s questions about the unique monikers ‘Lady Singham’ and ‘Lady Don’ attributed to her, Madhavi Latha stood firm and expressed her stance with clarity. She articulated that such titles are not only indicative of her strong presence in Telangana politics but are also a reflection of necessity. “It is necessary and I am proud of that,” she affirmed confidently.

Beyond the titles, she expressed satisfaction with her ‘tough image’, viewing it as a critical element that has fostered trust and belief among her supporters. This formidable reputation, she explained, is not just about being stern but also about embodying strength and reliability, which encourages her supporters to persist in their quest for truth and justice. Madhavi Latha elaborated on how her assertive image is not merely for show; it’s a source of empowerment. She believes that this tough persona has played a pivotal role in inspiring trust and assurance among her followers, guiding them towards a collective goal of truth and integrity.

100 Hindu houses now reduced to 5: Madhavi Latha

In a touching segment of the interview, Rajat Sharma presented visuals from Madhavi Latha’s early life, stirring a wave of nostalgia. She reflected on a personal tragedy, recounting the flood of 1998 that led to the loss of her cherished childhood albums. This moment served as a poignant reminder of her roots and the experiences shaping her resolve.

The BJP candidate shared insights into her upbringing in a locality within the Yakatpura Vidhan Sabha constituency, nestled in the heart of Old Hyderabad. She expressed a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the stagnant development of the area. Despite the passage of a quarter of a century, she noted, the living conditions remain dire. “The area gets flooded like old times whenever there is rainfall. There are no proper schools and colleges,” she stated, highlighting the neglected state of infrastructure and education. Moreover, Madhavi Latha critically addressed the political dynamics in the region, asserting that the politics of appeasement, veiled under the guise of secularism, has led to a universal state of poverty, affecting both the Muslim and Hindu communities equally.

Madhavi Latha shared a concerning narrative about the demographic shift in the Yakatpura Vidhan Sabha constituency, located in the historic quarters of Old Hyderabad. She highlighted the dramatic decrease in the Hindu population due to communal unrest, painting a picture of a community drastically reduced over time. “Hindus pehela 100 the, aaj sirf 5 Hindu ghar hai (There were 100 Hindu houses before but now they are around 5 in the area),” she expressed with a tone of regret. This statement shed light on the stark transformation the area has undergone, reflecting the tangible impact of the communal riots on the local Hindu populace.

In her conversation with Rajat Sharma, Madhavi Latha tackled the perception of Hyderabad, contrasting its image as a bustling IT hub with the ground realities of its parliamentary constituency. She clarified, “The Hyderabad you know as IT hub is the capital city of Telangana. The Hyderabad I am talking about is the Parliamentary constituency of 7 Vidhan Sabha constituencies.” This distinction underscored her focus on the less-discussed facets of Hyderabad, spotlighting the differences between the modern, tech-savvy capital and the older, traditional parts of the city that grapple with their own set of challenges.

BJP candidate rubbished claims of being anti-Muslim

The lengthy dialogue with Rajat Sharma delved into more contentious topics as Madhavi Latha was confronted with accusations from AIMIM, labeling her as ‘anti-Muslim.’ During this exchange, Sharma brought up her past comments concerning the Muslim community. Madhavi Latha, however, refuted these claims of animosity towards Muslims. She explained her position by discussing the educational choices in the community, highlighting her observations on the preference for madrassas over mainstream educational institutions. By mentioning her commentary on the socioeconomic aspects affecting poor Muslim families, she aimed to clarify her perspective, focusing on the need for educational advancement within the community.

Madhavi Latha revealed the intense opposition she faced while engaging with the Muslim community, particularly when visiting Islamic seminaries. She recounted how “There are Maulanas who have threatened to break my legs when I went to visit these Islamic seminaries,” thus highlighting the hostility and challenges she encountered in her political journey. Despite such dire threats, she emphasized her unwavering commitment to advocating for justice, especially for Muslim women, illustrating her resolve to address and rectify social injustices regardless of personal risk.

Her advocacy extended to controversial issues like the Triple Talaq law, a significant topic in Indian politics concerning Muslim women’s rights. Madhavi Latha addressed the misuse of religious doctrines to justify wrongful practices, particularly in the context of marriage and family planning. She criticized the exploitation of religion to perpetrate unfair acts, stating, “Mazhab ka naam lekar ya gaalat karte hain, Quran ya nahin kehte hai ki aapko Talaq, Talaq, Talaq ek saath kehna chahiye (They take the name of religion and commit atrocities. Quran does not permit a Muslim to give Talaq instantly),” thereby challenging the misinterpretation of Islamic teachings that affect women’s lives negatively.

Furthermore, Madhavi Latha addressed the inclusiveness of governmental efforts, underscoring the Indian government's commitment to serving all citizens. She pointed out the universal approach of the government’s schemes, which are designed to benefit everyone, including Muslims. Her statements aimed to clarify that there is no exclusion based on religious lines from the state’s welfare initiatives, highlighting the inclusivity of governmental policies in promoting societal welfare.

Jabse aayi Madhavi Latha, tabse Asad bhai lapata

During the engaging 'Aap ki Adalat' interview, around 27 minutes in, the discussion turned towards Madhavi Latha's ambitious goal of challenging the AIMIM's stronghold in Hyderabad. She humorously commented on the electoral dynamics, “If we get bogus votes like Owaisi, then, we will win for 4000 years at a stretch,” indicating her confidence and the perceived unfair advantages in local politics. Her statement carried a tone of jest mixed with a serious reflection on the political landscape she is navigating.

As the conversation unfolded, Madhavi Latha confidently asked Rajat Sharma and the viewers to patiently watch the unfolding political drama, assuring them of her determination with the phrase, “Dekhte rahein harakar rahungi (Keep watching. I will defeat Asaduddin Owaisi).” This bold declaration underscored her resolve and the intensity of the electoral battle she is engaged in.

Rajat Sharma then highlighted the positive reception Madhavi Latha has received from her supporters, reflecting the palpable excitement surrounding her candidacy. He mentioned an election slogan that had gained popularity, capturing the changing political currents, “Jabse aayi Madhavi Latha, tabse Azad Bhai lapata (Asaduddin Owaisi has been missing ever since Madhavi Latha came into the election fray),” thus illustrating the impact of her entry into the electoral arena and how it has seemingly unsettled her opponents.

Madhavi Latha speaks on Akbaruddin Owaisi

In her assertive discourse on the political landscape of Hyderabad, Madhavi Latha boldly addressed the controversial figure Akbaruddin Owaisi, the AIMIM leader known for his contentious statements. She unequivocally criticized Owaisi, linking him to a history of strife and tension in the region.

Madhavi Latha highlighted the historical context of the Hindu community’s resilience in Hyderabad, especially during the turbulent times involving the Razakars, a militia group associated with the AIMIM's legacy. She drew a stark comparison between the personal adversities faced by Akbaruddin Owaisi and the broader historical sacrifices of the Hindu community. “Vesa toh Akbaruddin ne 2-3 goliya khayi hai, par humara dada-pardada toh Hindustan ke top o ka samna kiya hai (Akbaruddin was shot 2-3 times. Our fathers and grandfathers in Hindustan had to brave cannon fire),” she remarked, invoking a narrative of heroism and survival against odds in the face of aggression.

Further intensifying her rhetoric, Madhavi Latha made a resolute declaration of her political intentions, “Abhi Akbaruddin ka gad hilega (We will now shake the bastion of Akbaruddin Owaisi)”, signaling a determined challenge to the established political dominance of the Owaisi family in Hyderabad. Her words conveyed a strong promise to alter the status quo, embodying her party's confrontational stance against the AIMIM and its leaders.

‘Jinnah nahin jinnah ke baap nikal rahein idhaar’: Madhavi Latha slams AIMIM

In the midpoint of her interview, Madhavi Latha took a critical stance against AIMIM's political strategies, particularly focusing on the controversial subject of beef consumption. She illustrated how AIMIM allegedly exploits this issue to garner support from the Muslim electorate. Revealing a newspaper excerpt during the interview, she highlighted the claim made by AIMIM, suggesting a direct correlation between their electoral success and the Muslim community’s dietary freedom. “Have you seen anyone write in their manifesto that you will not be allowed to eat chicken if you do not vote for us?” she remarked sarcastically, ridiculing the party's approach to political campaigning.

Madhavi Latha then addressed the AIMIM's overarching strategy, summarizing it succinctly: “Ek hi kaam hai – gumrah, gumrah, gumrah (AIMIM has only one job i.e. to mislead the people),” she asserted. Further, she brought attention to a religious decree or fatwa, emphasizing that it advises Muslims to respect the laws of the land they live in.

Expounding on the cultural and legal aspects of cow protection, she reminded that for the Hindu community, the cow is not just an animal but a sacred entity, and its slaughter is forbidden in most Indian states. Madhavi Latha called on AIMIM to respect these sentiments and align with both Islamic teachings and Indian legal statutes concerning dietary practices.

In her concluding remarks, Madhavi Latha vehemently criticized AIMIM for allegedly manipulating communal sensitivities, particularly around contentious issues like beef consumption and the Babri Masjid conflict. She provocatively stated, “Jinnah nahin jinnah ke baap nikal rahein idhaar (They are turning out to be the father of Mohammed Ali Jinnah),” thereby accusing the party of exceeding even the divisive legacy of Mohammed Ali Jinnah in their political conduct.

‘Mera muh toh nahin chup kara sakenge’: Madhavi Latha

In the illuminating session of ‘Aap ki Adalat’, Madhavi Latha addressed and refuted the notion that AIMIM serves as the BJP’s shadow ally. She shed light on the political dynamics in Telangana, mentioning the collaborative tendencies of major parties like the Congress, BRS, and TDP with the AIMIM, and particularly with its leader, Owaisi. She drew a parallel to religious practices to illustrate her point, “Like we take blessings at the Bhagya Lakshmi Mandir, they take blessings from AIMIM and Owaisi,” thus highlighting the political alliances and dependencies in the state’s political landscape.

Madhavi Latha then articulated her resolute stance against suppression, affirming her commitment to vocalize her beliefs and truths, regardless of the opposition or pressure faced. “Mera muh toh nahin chup kara sakenge (They will not be able to shut me up),” she stated with determination, showcasing her unyielding spirit in the face of adversities.

In the interview, when Rajat Sharma questioned her focus on the Muslim community's issues, Madhavi Latha’s response was firm and inclusive. She positioned herself as a proactive citizen, concerned with the well-being and rights of all Indians, irrespective of their community. “I am a citizen of this country. This gives me the right to interfere in the pain of any woman or citizen.” This declaration emphasized her belief in national solidarity and her role in addressing societal issues across communal lines, reinforcing her identity as an advocate for the collective welfare of the nation’s people.

BJP candidate slams Asaduddin Owaisi

In the televised debate, Madhavi Latha confronted AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, challenging his viewpoints with bold assertions. She questioned his rhetoric surrounding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a topic of significant political and social discussion in India. “Uniform Civil Code mein bedroom kaha aagaya sahab (How did the discussion of bedroom come into picture on the topic of Uniform Civil Code),” she questioned, critiquing Owaisi's interpretation of the UCC and its implications.

Madhavi Latha addressed Owaisi’s concerns that the UCC could undermine Muslim identity, with a pointed remark aimed at the AIMIM leader himself: “Keval Asad ji ki pehchan nikal jayegi (Only the identity of Asaduddin Owaisi will be exposed).” This statement implied that the UCC's impact would be more revealing of Owaisi's political persona than affecting the broader Muslim community.

She further scrutinized Owaisi's hypothetical scenario of a hijab-wearing Muslim woman as Prime Minister, dissecting the underlying patriarchal views. “Pradhan Mantri banna ke baad bhi, aurat ka surat kisiko dekhna nahin chahiye (Even after a woman becomes Prime Minister, she is still not allowed to show her face/ uphold her identity).” Madhavi Latha used this to highlight the contradictions in Owaisi’s argument, emphasizing the need for a woman’s autonomy and identity regardless of her position.

Madhavi Latha did not shy away from addressing more controversial issues, criticizing Owaisi’s reluctance to refer to India endearingly as 'Maa' and his perceived sympathy towards individuals with notorious backgrounds, including an ISIS terrorist and the late Mukhtar Ansari, a figure involved in criminal and political activities. Her accusations were part of a broader narrative, underscoring her critical view of Owaisi’s political and ideological stances.

The BJP candidate, Madhavi Latha, delved deep into the historical conflicts involving AIMIM and its paramilitary wing, the Razakars, focusing on the period before Hyderabad's integration into India. She conveyed the enduring impact of those times, “Razakar chale gaye, Qasim Razvi ke wafadar reh gaye (Razakars have gone, but the loyalists of Qasim Razvi are left behind)…As long as they do not leave India, the development of Muslims of India won’t take place,” pointing out the lingering influence of these groups and their detrimental effect on the Muslim community’s progress in India.

Madhavi Latha expressed her conviction regarding the political fate of AIMIM, emphasizing the anticipated solidarity between Hindus and Muslims to oppose them. “They will not just lose in the Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency but wherever they contest elections in India. Hindus and Muslims will unite and defeat them,” she stated, suggesting a broad-based rejection of the party's ideology and practices across the nation.

In a further critique of the AIMIM leadership, particularly Asaduddin Owaisi and his brother, she accused them of neglecting local Islamic places of worship while obsessing over the nationally contentious site of the Babri Masjid. Madhavi Latha accused them of exploiting religious sentiments for political and commercial gains, “They broke a mosque, joined hands with builders and built apartments in Hyderabad,” she claimed, alleging a betrayal of both religious and civic trust within the community they represent.

What will he understand about Bharat Mata: Madhavi Latha on Rahul Gandhi

In the final moments of her interview, Madhavi Latha shifted her critique towards Rahul Gandhi, the prominent Congress party member. She responded to his remarks about confronting the force of Shakti, asserting her own role as a strong female figure in politics. “Rahul Gandhi said the right thing – the Hindu religion is an embodiment of Shakti and he wants to fight it. I am sitting right here. For the first time in his life, he has said one thing correctly,” she said, framing herself as a living representation of that strength, ready to face Gandhi in any political challenge.

Madhavi Latha then referenced the legacy of Indira Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother, celebrated for her formidable leadership in Indian politics, often associated with the concept of Shakti, denoting power and strength. She criticized Rahul for his perceived failure to grasp the essence of his own familial legacy and broader cultural values: “Even his grandmother Indira Gandhi was Shakti. One who could not understand his grandmother cannot understand other women in the country. What will he understand about Bharat Mata?” This rhetorical question aimed to underline her skepticism about Rahul Gandhi's comprehension of and respect for nationalistic and feminine principles.

The BJP candidate wrapped up her discussion by aligning the political strategies of AIMIM and Congress, noting their common focus on opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She interpreted their actions as a unified front against the achievements of Modi, particularly highlighting his role in fulfilling the longstanding demand for the Ram Mandir, a subject of national and historical significance for many in the Hindu community. Madhavi Latha’s comments framed the political discourse as a battle between enduring cultural identities and contemporary political ideologies.