Praised by PM Modi, up against Owaisi: Who is Madhavi Latha?

The 49-year-old was a relatively unknown name in Telangana’s political circles till she suddenly shot into the limelight after the BJP fielded her against Owaisi, whose father represented Hyderabad in Parliament from 1984 to 2004.

Latha, a mother of three, has said that the news of her candidature was a pleasant surprise and that she never lobbied for a ticket. A strong orator, Latha calls the ticket an acknowledgement of 18 years of charity work and another example of the BJP’s ability to recognise the potential of people.

“It is unclear why she was chosen as she is not a well-known karyakarta (worker). Maybe the woman factor, her strong oratory skills, and her work among Muslim women worked in her favour. The party will back her and we will put up a strong fight,” a BJP leader said.

Apart from the Lok Sabha constituency, the AIMIM also holds all the Assembly segments under the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat barring Goshamahal, which is represented by the BJP’s T Raja Singh.