Madhavi Latha has once again found herself at the centre of a controversy after sharing a video of herself chanting Durga Suktam inside a prayer room at Indira Gandhi International Airport, triggering a sharp divide in public reactions.
In the video, Latha is seen entering a designated prayer room, sitting in a corner, and reciting verses aloud while being recorded. The footage also captures a few women in burqa present in the same space. The clip, shared on social media, quickly went viral and drew mixed responses, with some praising her expression of faith and others criticising the manner and setting of the act.
Critics argued that the prayer room is intended for silent reflection and meditation, and that chanting aloud while recording a video could disturb others using the space. Some political figures and social media users questioned whether the act violated the intended norms of such facilities, calling for action and raising concerns about maintaining decorum in shared religious spaces.
At the same time, supporters defended Latha, stating that prayer rooms at public places like airports are meant for people of all faiths, and that reciting a religious hymn should not be seen as inappropriate. They argued that the backlash reflects a bias against open expressions of certain religious practices rather than a genuine concern about rules.
The debate has also taken on political overtones, with some critics alleging that the act was intended to provoke or draw attention, especially given the presence of other individuals in the frame. Others rejected this interpretation, maintaining that there was no confrontation or interaction in the video and that it simply showed a personal act of devotion.
This is not the first time Latha has been involved in controversy. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she drew criticism over a video in which she appeared to make a bow-and-arrow gesture while passing a mosque during a rally. Another incident during polling day, where she was seen asking burqa-clad women to verify their identity, also led to legal action and political backlash.
The latest video has reignited discussions around the boundaries of religious expression in shared public spaces. While some view it as a legitimate display of faith, others see it as a breach of expected norms in a space meant for quiet and inclusive use. The incident continues to generate debate over intent, appropriateness, and the balance between personal belief and public sensitivity.
