The Legacy of Miss World and This Year’s Controversy
The Miss World pageant, one of the most prestigious international beauty contests, has been a global celebration of beauty, talent, and culture since its inception in 1951. Over the years, the event has served as a platform for young women to advocate for social causes while representing their nations on an international stage.
However, the 72nd edition of the pageant, set to take place in Hyderabad, Telangana, from May 7 to 31, 2025, has found itself embroiled in a political controversy. While the ruling Congress government hails the event as a golden opportunity to put Telangana on the global map, the opposition, led by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), argues that the financial burden on the state is unjustifiable. With a staggering ₹200 crore allocated for the event amidst economic constraints, the political divide over the pageant has intensified.
BRS Slams Congress Over Spending Priorities
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has been vocal in his criticism of the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government for prioritizing an extravagant event while the state grapples with financial difficulties.
Taking to social media, KTR questioned the government’s decision, highlighting pending pension payments, government salaries, and delays in welfare schemes. 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 ₹71,000 crore? Is Telangana rising or falling?”
BRS has also accused the Congress government of hypocrisy, pointing out that the same administration scrapped the Formula E race—an international motorsport event planned by the previous BRS regime—due to financial concerns. KTR questioned how hosting Miss World, at four times the estimated cost of Formula E, could be justified.
As part of its protests, BRS lawmakers staged a demonstration during the state budget presentation, carrying dried crop samples to symbolize Telangana’s struggling farmers. They demanded that instead of hosting Miss World, the government should provide ₹25,000 per acre in compensation to farmers facing hardships.
Congress Defends Hosting Miss World in Telangana
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has fiercely defended his government’s decision, shifting the blame onto his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao, for the state’s financial woes.
Reddy accused the previous BRS government of accumulating massive public debt, resulting in monthly interest payments of ₹1.53 lakh crore. He argued that had this debt not existed, Telangana could have funded crucial welfare programs such as farm loan waivers and housing schemes.
Senior Congress leader Rohin Reddy echoed this sentiment, asserting that the financial burden is a legacy of the BRS government. He further justified the Miss World pageant as a means to boost Telangana’s global presence and attract tourism and investment. “Our Chief Minister has pursued this event to Hyderabad, and the world will be watching,” he said, emphasizing that the Congress administration followed due process to bring the event to the state.
The Grand Vision Behind Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad
Despite the political storm, preparations for the 72nd Miss World pageant are in full swing. The event is expected to attract contestants from over 120 countries, providing a stage to celebrate beauty, culture, and social impact. The Congress government believes that hosting the pageant will highlight Telangana’s rich heritage and tourism potential, bringing global attention to the state.
On Tuesday, Miss World Organization and Telangana Tourism shared images of reigning Miss World, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic, draped in a traditional bright pink silk saree while visiting the historic Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Expressing her delight, she posted, “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!”
Meanwhile, India’s representative for the event, Nikita Porwal, crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, is preparing to compete for the prestigious title on home soil.
A Controversial Bet on Global Recognition
The Miss World 2025 pageant in Telangana is shaping up to be more than just a celebration of beauty—it is a battleground for political debate. While the Congress government sees it as an opportunity to showcase Telangana’s global aspirations, the opposition BRS perceives it as an unnecessary financial burden that diverts resources from pressing state issues.
The event brings to light broader concerns about governance priorities, public expenditure, and the fine line between global branding and local responsibilities. Whether Miss World 2025 will ultimately bring long-term benefits to Telangana or serve as a political misstep remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the event has ignited a conversation about how states balance economic realities with the ambition for international recognition.
(With inputs from agencies)
