Bharatiya Janata Party leader Komapella Madhavi Latha, who contested the last Lok Sabha elections from Hyderabad parliamentary constituency, has once again found herself at the centre of controversy after a video and reports emerged of her reciting Durga stotras inside a prayer room at Delhi airport.
During her recent visit to Delhi for party-related engagements, Madhavi Latha entered the multi-faith prayer room at the airport and sat in one corner, where she began chanting Durga hymns.
However, criticism mounted after some social media users alleged that Muslim women were already present in the room, reportedly engaged in Ramzan prayers, when Madhavi Latha entered and began reciting the hymns in a loud voice.
Following the incident, a section of users accused the BJP leader of deliberately provoking those present and acting in a manner intended to offend or challenge Muslim worshippers.
Some critics alleged that she entered the room knowingly while Muslim women were praying and recited religious verses in a way that could be interpreted as confrontational.
Others accused her of behaving in a manner that was disrespectful and inflammatory in a shared spiritual space.
At the same time, another section strongly defended Madhavi Latha, arguing that she had every right to offer prayers in a designated prayer room and that there was no evidence to suggest that she directly targeted or verbally confronted anyone.
Supporters claimed that she was being unfairly criticised simply for engaging in a Hindu devotional act in a common prayer facility, and alleged that abusive comments were being directed at her online.
This is not the first time Madhavi Latha has courted controversy over religiously sensitive issues.
She was recently in the news after tensions flared in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, where BJP workers allegedly tore down flex banners related to an iftar gathering reportedly put up by leaders associated with the AIMIM near Virinchi Hospital.
At the time, Madhavi Latha had launched a sharp attack on the AIMIM leadership, criticising what she described as the commercialisation and political branding of iftar events.
She had argued that organising lavish iftar gatherings in function halls and air-conditioned venues for wealthy invitees and prominent leaders was contrary to the true spirit of Ramzan.
According to her, the essence of iftar lies not in spectacle or political messaging, but in supporting the poor, the needy, and orphanages.
She had also urged organisers to understand the spiritual purpose and sanctity of Ramzan and iftar more deeply, remarks that had themselves drawn both support and criticism.