The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad are one of the most closely-watched contests, featuring AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi against BJP’s Madhavi Latha. The race has been described as a classic David versus Goliath scenario, with high stakes for both candidates.
Owaisi Expands Lead: Asaduddin Owaisi has increased his lead to 3.16 lakh votes over Madhavi Latha.
Significant Margin: Owaisi is ahead by a substantial margin of over 2.33 lakh votes.
Early Lead: Owaisi initially led by 28,945 votes and has continued to widen the gap.
Candidates' Backgrounds: Both Owaisi and Latha come from the Old City of Hyderabad. Latha has focused on developmental issues in her campaign, including the abolition of triple talaq, which she has pledged to address with support from Muslim women’s groups. Owaisi, on the other hand, has criticized the abolition of triple talaq as unconstitutional and has consistently advocated for the political representation of minorities while being a vocal critic of the BJP.
Candidate Profiles:
Asaduddin Owaisi: The current AIMIM MP from Hyderabad, Owaisi has been a prominent figure in advocating for minority rights and challenging BJP policies. His tenure has been marked by his outspoken stance on various political issues.
Madhavi Latha: A social worker and Bharatnatyam dancer, Latha is the chairperson of Virinchi Hospitals and the Lopamudra Charitable Trust, which works to provide healthcare, education, and livelihood to underprivileged communities. She is the first woman candidate from the BJP to contest the Hyderabad seat, traditionally a stronghold of the Owaisi family.
The Hyderabad seat has long been dominated by the Owaisi family, and the outcome of this election will determine whether their influence continues or if a new chapter begins with Latha's campaign promises and vision for the Old City's development.