Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP has strongly criticized the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government for its decision to host the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad while the state grapples with a severe financial crisis.
State BJP spokesperson N.V. Subash questioned the necessity of spending an estimated Rs 250 crore on the event when the government is struggling to pay monthly salaries to its employees. “We are not against international events that enhance Hyderabad’s brand image. However, hosting such an extravagant event while the Chief Minister himself admits to an economic crisis and a deficit of Rs 71,000 crore is a clear case of financial mismanagement,” he said.
The pageant, scheduled to take place from May 7 to 31, is expected to attract contestants from over 120 countries and showcase Telangana’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. However, Subash raised concerns over the economic viability of the event, especially amid growing unrest among government employees and pensioners over delayed payments and wasting taxpayers’ money.
“The Chief Minister must answer whether he and his cabinet are willing to give up their own luxuries to address the financial crisis before indulging in such extravagant expenditures,” he added. He also pointed out the public outrage, evident through viral videos on social media, and warned that ignoring public sentiment could prove costly for the Congress government.
Subash further reminded that the same Congress party had previously criticized the BRS government under KCR for hosting similar large-scale events (E-Formula Race).
Additionally, he condemned the government’s proposal to sell defence and other government lands, including those belonging to the University of Hyderabad, to cover the revenue deficit, likening it to “Tughlaq-style governance.”
“The Revanth Reddy government must act responsibly and prioritize the welfare of Telangana’s people over lavish, unnecessary expenditures,” he concluded.
