Kompella Madhavi Latha
The district administration has reportedly prohibited her entry into Bagalkot from Sept 23 to Oct 23. The order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a recommendation by Bagalkot superintendent of police Siddharth Goyal to the deputy commissioner. Madhavi Latha, a Hyderabad-based BJP functionary, came to national prominence when the party fielded her against AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Hyderabad.
The restriction is intended as a preventive measure to avoid any situation that could disturb public peace during the festival period, according to the reported Bagalkot order.
Police, in a notice served on her, said her entry had been restricted in view of the apprehension that her presence could affect law and order during the religious procession. She said a devotee of Sanatana Dharma had been prevented from attending a religious festival, and remarked that while police could restrict her movement, they could not restrict her devotion. Latha maintained that the video being circulated was incomplete, and said she would apologise if anyone’s sentiments had been hurt.
Madhavi Latha criticised the restriction on social media. The incident triggered controversy, and an FIR was subsequently registered against her over allegations that the gesture hurt religious sentiments. She has described herself as a long-time RSS worker. She is also an entrepreneur and hospital administrator, and has been associated with social and cultural activities. The order warns that violation of the restriction could invite action under the applicable law.
Madhavi Latha was scheduled to participate in the Hindu Maha Ganapati idol immersion procession in Bagalkot on Thursday evening.