This past Saturday, the 2nd of March, marked a significant announcement by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as they unveiled the initial roster of candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Among the notable names was Kompella Madhavi Latha, the chairperson of Virinchi Hospital, chosen to represent the BJP in the Hyderabad constituency of Telangana. Her opponent is the current Member of Parliament and AIMIM leader, Asaduddin Owaisi.

The Hyderabad constituency is famously known as a bastion for Owaisi, largely because of the considerable Muslim demographic present there, along with Owaisi's influential leadership. In an audacious move, the BJP has placed its confidence in Madhavi Latha to vie for this pivotal seat. Madhavi Latha's profile extends beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors; she is also recognized for her Bharatnatyam dance performances and her past involvement as an NCC cadet.

Known in the community as Dr. Madhavi Latha Kompella, she is a distinguished personality within the socio-political realm of Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Nizam College and furthered her education with a master's degree in political science from Koti Women’s College. Her educational journey underscores her dedication to grasping the intricacies of political science, undoubtedly shaping her pathway into the political arena.

Spend a little time talking to Kompella Madhavi Latha, and you'll find yourself feeling more inspired and motivated than ever before. Despite the significant responsibilities that come with being the Chairperson of Virinchi Hospitals, she has embraced the additional role of educating her three children at home.

Her oldest child, a 19-year-old daughter named Lopamudra, is currently studying for her BTech at IIT Madras. Her son, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who is 16 years old, has also embarked on a BTech program at the same prestigious institution, marking his first year there. The youngest of the siblings, Modini, is not far behind, currently in her 11th grade and aiming to follow the same educational path as her elder siblings.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Madhavi Latha has a rich background in Bharatanatyam, boasting over 100 performances, and has also served as an NCC cadet. She reminisces about her time in construction and facilities management at Virinchi, noting, "I was into Construction and Facilities Management at Virinchi, and the hospital you see now took me 11-and-a-half months to complete." Her journey is further enriched by her academic achievements, holding an MA in Political Science from Koti Women’s College.

In a conversation with 'Telangana Today', Madhavi Latha delved into the reasons behind her decision to homeschool her children. She began, "My husband Vishwanath (The Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Virinchi) and I love children to the core and we have donated to orphanages. When my eldest kid was almost 3 years old, we tried putting her into a school but she never liked the idea. She loved being around me. As a former teacher, I tried understanding where she was coming from and why she was crying when sent to school."

She believes that the educational institutions at the time were not captivating enough for children. Madhavi Latha views motherhood as embarking on a "new career as a mother." She shared, "Until my kids were nine or 10 years old, they never touched a book. I tried teaching them basic math and alphabet. I never hit my kids or even spoke to them in a higher decibel. I taught them the 'Ramayana', the 'Mahabharata', the 'Gita', told them 'Panchatantra' stories, and we sang rhymes and practised tables. I always gave them the right to question and correct me. I made sure they took up physical activities," shedding light on her unique approach to homeschooling.

Madhavi Latha's personal beliefs and actions are deeply rooted in the tenets of Hindu Dharma and patriotism. She has become a prominent figure advocating for Hindu principles and actively participates in discussions focused on cultural preservation and the betterment of society, especially in the Old City region of Hyderabad. Her dedication to Hindu values indicates a profound commitment to India's traditional principles. Furthermore, she manages a Gaushala within the city, further demonstrating her commitment to these values.

Upon her candidacy announcement, Madhavi Latha expressed her concerns regarding the neglect and stagnation seen within the Hyderabad constituency, with a particular focus on the Old City. She pointed out the severe issues affecting the area, such as poverty, the absence of educational avenues, and the illicit seizure of Hindu properties.

Madhavi Latha elaborated, "There is no cleanliness, education or health facilities in Hyderabad Lok Sabha. Children in Madrasas are not getting food. Temples and Hindu homes are being occupied illegally. Muslim children are uneducated. There is child labour. They have no education, house or future. Nothing is done for the people. The old city is neither a mountain nor a tribal area. It is in the centre of Hyderabad but there is poverty over there. They have only one thing to do, riot. And those who are making this happen are taking advantage of it," highlighting the dire situation and her perspective on the challenges facing the constituency.

Madhavi Latha’s commitment to social causes goes beyond her impressive educational background. She has worked alongside various Muslim women's groups, campaigning for the end of triple talaq, showcasing her dedication to gender equality and social justice. Her efforts to establish a fund for destitute Muslim women and her active participation in organizations like the Forum for Awareness of National Security and Samskruthi Telangana State exemplify her comprehensive approach to enhancing community welfare. While she has been a proponent of legislation against triple talaq to aid Muslim women, it's noteworthy that her political adversary, Asaduddin Owaisi, stood against this law.

In her capacity as the Chairperson of Virinchi Hospitals and the founder of both the Lopamudra Charitable Trust and LathaMa Foundation, Madhavi Latha has been instrumental in spearheading healthcare, education, and food aid projects within Hyderabad. These initiatives reflect her unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need and addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities.

Entering the political arena with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Madhavi Latha’s candidacy marks a pivotal change in the political dynamics of Hyderabad. By challenging Asaduddin Owaisi’s established influence, she symbolizes the BJP’s strategic effort to make inroads into a constituency traditionally seen as a bastion of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Her entry into the fray is indicative of the BJP’s ambition to introduce a formidable Hindu contender, aiming to alter the established political balance.

In the last ten years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seen its popularity grow significantly within Telangana. Starting from a modest 7% of the vote share in 2014, the party witnessed a notable increase to almost 15% in the 2023 assembly elections. During these recent polls, the BJP achieved a major milestone by winning eight seats, positioning itself as a primary opposition force in several key constituencies around Hyderabad, such as Charminar, Karwan, LB Nagar, Rajendranagar, Amberpet, Quthbullapur, and Sanathnagar.

The BJP, which had previously chosen Dr Bhagvanth Rao, a seasoned candidate, for the 2014 and 2019 elections, has adopted a new approach for the upcoming contest by selecting Madhavi Latha, a 49-year-old novice in politics, to stand against Asaduddin Owaisi. Madhavi Latha's nomination as the first woman candidate from the BJP in Hyderabad represents a significant move towards embracing diversity and enhancing female representation in the political arena, potentially altering the traditional electoral landscape in the area.