Hyderabad – The Telangana BJP has come down hard on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, accusing him of ignoring local traditions during the lead-up to the Miss World pageant in Hyderabad’s Old City.
The party is upset that the Bhagyalakshmi Ammavaru Temple, located at the base of the iconic Charminar, was left out of the official Miss World tour schedule. BJP leaders say this decision shows a clear lack of respect for Telangana’s cultural roots.
N V Subhash, BJP’s Chief Spokesperson, voiced the party’s concern at a press meet. “The Chief Minister chose to impress foreign guests rather than honor the spiritual symbols of our land,” he said. Subhash stressed that leaders in Telangana usually start major events by offering prayers at meaningful local places, and skipping the Bhagyalakshmi Temple sends the wrong message.
The 72nd Miss World event, hosted with grandeur in Hyderabad, included visits to cultural spots like Charminar, Laad Bazaar, and Chowmohallah Palace. Yet, the nearby temple—considered sacred by many—was not on the list. This omission has sparked criticism from locals and conservatives alike.
Subhash asked, “What harm would it have done to include the temple in the itinerary? It’s a respected symbol for countless people.” He said the move hurts Hindu sentiments and shows the government is more focused on international attention than preserving Telangana’s traditions.
He also warned that such decisions are especially sensitive in the Old City, an area known for its delicate communal balance. “This temple stands for more than religion—it reflects our shared heritage and harmony,” he explained. He added that ignoring it shows either a lack of understanding or arrogance from the Chief Minister.
The BJP clarified they are not against hosting international events like Miss World. However, they believe the government’s priorities are misplaced. Subhash pointed out that farmers in Telangana are currently facing severe issues—unpaid loans, poor electricity, crop failures, and no proper help from the state.
“While our farmers suffer in silence, the government spends crores on beauty contests,” Subhash said. He reminded the media that Revanth Reddy, when he was in the opposition, had strongly criticized similar events organized by the previous BRS government, like the Formula E race.
Subhash concluded by questioning the Chief Minister’s double standards. “What changed, Mr. Reddy? Earlier you opposed such wasteful spending. Now you’re doing the same, but in a worse situation,” he said. He urged the government to focus on real issues instead of chasing glamour and headlines.
