How a Rs 200-crore Miss World contest ignited a political storm in Telangana

The 72nd Miss World pageant is expected to be a dazzling affair in Telangana, bringing beauty queens from across the globe onto one stage. But instead, the glam contest is at the centre of a fierce political debate in the state.

The ruling Congress government views the event as an opportunity to put Telangana on the global map, but the opposition, led by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), isn’t convinced. With the state already struggling with financial constraints—including difficulties in paying salaries and meeting essential expenses—critics argue that splurging “crores of public money” on a beauty pageant is a waste.

So, what’s at the heart of this controversy? And how has Congress defended its decision? Here’s a closer look.

BRS attacks Congress

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has strongly criticised the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government for allocating Rs 200 crore to host the Miss World pageant, calling it an unjustifiable expense at a time when Telangana is facing financial woes.

Pointing to delays in pension payments, government salaries, and welfare schemes, KTR took to social media to question the state’s financial priorities. He wrote on X, “The Congress government wants us to believe all is well in Telangana. Apparently, according to them—investments are pouring in, agriculture is thriving, welfare is at its peak, and the CM is working 18 hours a day. Then why did the CM suddenly admit yesterday that there is negative growth and a deficit of Rs 71,000 crore? Is Telangana rising or falling?"

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So Congress Govt wants us to believe that all is well in Telangana

Apparently according to them

- Investments are coming in thick & fast
- Agricultural Sector is growing
- Welfare is at its highest
- CM is working 18 hours a day

Then why did the CM turn approver all of a…

— KTR (@KTRBRS) March 17, 2025

Accusing the government of hypocrisy, KTR drew a comparison between the Miss World event and the Formula E race, a global motorsport event planned under the previous BRS regime. The Congress government had scrapped the race, citing financial constraints.

KTR raised this issue and wrote, “If Formula E was deemed wasteful, how is spending four times that amount on a beauty contest justified?” He went on to challenge Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain the “perverse logic” behind this decision.

Apparently spending ₹46 Crore for Formula - E race in Hyderabad was wrong & will attract cases being filed

But spending ₹200 Crores of public money to conduct Miss World, a beauty contest is right !!

What is this perverse logic? Can you please explain @RahulGandhi Ji ? https://t.co/Ss2A75vv8z

— KTR (@KTRBRS) March 11, 2025

The BRS has long been critical of the Congress government’s financial handling, accusing it of squandering state funds on promises made during the 2023 election campaign. The opposition argues that instead of fulfilling commitments like farm loan waivers and welfare schemes, the government is prioritising events that do not directly benefit the people.

On Tuesday, as the state budget was being presented in the Assembly, BRS lawmakers staged a protest, carrying dried crop samples to highlight what they called a “Congress-made drought.” Rejecting the Miss World event, they demanded the government provide Rs 25,000 per acre in compensation to struggling farmers, NDTV reported.

Congress hits back

In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has staunchly defended the decision to host the Miss World Pageant. He instead turned the blame towards his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing him of “bankrupting Telangana.”

Reddy accused the BRS of having left the incoming Congress government with a massive public debt that requires monthly interest payments of Rs 1.53 lakh crore.

“If such a big amount had been saved, this government would have built houses for all…farm loans could have been waived for another 70 lakh people,” he was quoted by ANI.

Senior Congress leader Rohin Reddy also echoed similar sentiments. “Financial crunches are the burden levied by the previous BRS government. Our Chief Minister has pursued this event to Hyderabad, and the world will be watching,” He said, adding that, unlike the last government, the Congress leader went through the proper channels to bring this pageant to the state.

All about the 72nd Miss World pageant

The Miss World pageant, one of the most prestigious international beauty contests, is set to take place in Hyderabad from May 7 to 31, 2025. The event is expected to attract contestants from over 120 countries, offering a platform to showcase Telangana’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.

On Tuesday, Miss World organisation and Telangana Tourism posted a picture of reigning Czech Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova draped in a bright pink silk saree at various locations inside the Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple premises.

“Visiting the Yadagiri Gutta temple brought me joy and peace of spirit. .. And this is just the beginning! I can’t wait to see more of Telangana and its hidden gems!” they wrote in the caption.

Nikita Porwal, who was crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, will represent India in the esteemed beauty pageant.

With input from agencies