Kompella Madhavi Latha's gesture of 'shooting arrow at mosque' sparks huge outrage in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The city of Hyderabad erupted in outrage after BJP candidate Kompella Madhavi Latha made an imaginary gesture of shooting an arrow at a mosque. The video, shows the BJP candidate shooting the arrow from an open jeep amidst a rousing campaigning among throngs of saffron supporters. The mosque in the neighbouring area was covered with a white cloth to avoid any conflict during Ram Navami celebrations.

Opposition candidate Asaduddin Owaisi was the first to come out against the video.

“BJP and RSS are trying to destroy the peaceful atmosphere in Telangana. I am asking the youth of Hyderabad to watch what they are doing. Please vote wisely” Owaisi said.

The spokesperson of All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) said that the gesture shown by the BJP candidate towards the mosque cannot be accepted in any way. They have also initiated steps to bring the incident to the attention of the Election Commission.

Amidst the outrage over the video, a flummoxed Madhavi Latha came out with an apology.

“I have noticed how the video went viral across social media. The video is an incomplete one. I have not made that gesture at the mosque. I tried to shoot the arrow at the sky, but the video is being propagated in such a way that it seems I aimed at the mosque. This is AIMIM's last-ditch attempt to shift focus from the main issues and to incite violence. If anyone’s feelings are hurt, I apologise…” said Madhavi Lata.

Meanwhile, BJP candidates felt it was unwanted of the BJP candidate to tender an apology as they said it was common for anyone to show gestures of shooting arrows during Ram Navami celebrations.