BJP’s Madhavi Latha booked for urging Muslim women to lift veil for identification
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As voters queued up to exercise their democratic rights in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad, the BJP candidate Madhavi Latha was seen verifying the identities of women wearing burqas at a polling station. Latha's actions, which included warning poll officers over face identification, sparked debate over the sensitivity and protocol of such interactions during elections.
The incident, which occurred in the Malakpet area, has led to legal repercussions for Latha, with the Malakpet Police booking her under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of the People Act.
The Hyderabad Collector took to Twitter to announce the legal action against Madhavi Latha, stating, "A case is registered in Malakpet Police Station against Smt Madhavi Latha, Contesting candidate, BJP under sections 171C, 186, 505(1)(c) of IPC and Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act."
The incident has sparked debates about the role of candidates and political parties in ensuring free and fair elections, especially in sensitive areas. The act of verifying identities of voters, particularly those belonging to a specific community, has raised concerns about voter intimidation and discrimination.
Meanwhile, the voter turnout in Hyderabad till 11 am stood at 10.70 per cent, indicating a moderate start to the polling process. Across the city, voters from various backgrounds and communities were seen waiting in lines to cast their ballots for the 17 Lok Sabha seats, including the crucial Hyderabad constituency in Telangana.
Among those who exercised their franchise were prominent political figures, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Madhavi Latha herself.
Owaisi, after casting his vote, urged citizens to take every election seriously, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation. Expressing confidence in his party's prospects in the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, Owaisi highlighted the evolving nature of electoral dynamics and the diverse array of issues at stake in the current parliamentary elections.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi stated, "Every election cannot be the same as it was 5 years ago. The challenges are different, and the issues are different. This is a very important, historic parliamentary election in our country. People have a different understanding of what they want for the country."
He underscored the significance of elections at all levels of governance, urging voters to consider the gravity of their choices and to approach each election with seriousness and diligence.
While electoral authorities are yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, it has drawn attention to the need for adherence to established guidelines and respect for voters' rights and identities, irrespective of their attire or background.
