The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant is set to take place in Telangana, India, from May 7 to May 31, 2025, making it a significant event on the global calendar. With the state government investing ₹200 crore in the event, Telangana aims to leverage the competition to boost tourism, promote its cultural heritage, and create an international platform for local talent.
While the event is expected to bring in contestants from over 120 countries, it has also ignited a heated political debate. While the ruling Congress government sees it as an opportunity to put Telangana on the global stage, the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has raised concerns over financial priorities, accusing the government of spending extravagantly despite the state's economic challenges.
India’s Grand Hosting of Miss World 2025
India has always played an essential role in the Miss World legacy, and Telangana’s capital, Hyderabad, is now preparing to host the event in style. The competition will feature various cultural showcases, from local artisans and their crafts to traditional dance and music performances.
Miss World 2023, Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic, along with Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, visited Hyderabad to review the preparations. Expressing her excitement, Pyszkova said:
"India has a lot to offer this time. Miss World is about action, not just words. We are trying to find meaningful projects and be helpful wherever we go. Visiting the Hindu temple was a magical experience, and I received many blessings.”
The Telangana Tourism Department has planned organised tours and excursions for contestants, media, and organizers to showcase the state’s heritage sites, natural wonders, and urban attractions. The opening ceremony and grand finale will feature iconic Telangana backdrops, creating visually stunning moments that will be broadcast worldwide.
Political Firestorm: A Beauty Pageant or a Financial Burden?
While the event promises to bring international recognition to Telangana, it has sparked a major political debate. The opposition BRS party has criticized the Congress government’s decision to allocate ₹200 crore to the pageant, especially at a time when Telangana is facing a revenue shortfall of ₹71,000 crore.
BRS leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) took to social media to voice his concerns, questioning why such a large sum was being spent on a beauty contest when the government has struggled with delays in salary payments, pensions, and welfare schemes. KTR compared the situation to the Formula E race that was planned under the previous BRS government but later scrapped by Congress over financial concerns. He posted:
"Apparently spending ₹46 crore for Formula E was wrong, but spending ₹200 crore on Miss World is justified? What is this perverse logic?"
Adding to the criticism, BRS lawmakers staged a protest during the Telangana state budget presentation, carrying dried crop samples to highlight what they called a "Congress-made drought." They demanded that the government allocate ₹25,000 per acre to support struggling farmers instead of investing in the pageant.
Congress Defends Its Decision
In response to the backlash, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended the decision, calling it an investment in the state’s global reputation and future tourism prospects. He countered that the financial burden was inherited from the previous BRS government, stating:
"The BRS government left us with massive public debt. If we had that money, we would have built houses for all and waived farm loans for another 70 lakh people."
Congress leaders also emphasized that bringing Miss World to Telangana would generate revenue, attract foreign investment, and create employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Why Telangana?
Hosting Miss World 2025 is not just about glamour—it’s a strategic move by the Telangana government to position itself as a global tourism and cultural hub. The event is expected to:
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Showcase Telangana’s rich heritage through traditional performances, handicrafts, and local festivals.
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Attract international visitors, boosting hotel occupancy, local businesses, and tourism.
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Promote film tourism, with Telangana’s rural and urban landscapes becoming potential locations for international productions.
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
A Star-Studded Affair
Miss World 2025 will feature reigning titleholder Krystyna Pyszkova, along with contestants from over 120 countries. Nikita Porwal, crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, will represent India at the prestigious event.
As part of the pageant’s lead-up, the Miss World organization and Telangana Tourism shared pictures of Krystyna Pyszkova in a bright pink silk saree at the Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. The post was captioned:
“Visiting the Yadagiri Gutta temple brought me joy and peace of spirit. This is just the beginning! I can’t wait to see more of Telangana and its hidden gems!”
Final Thoughts
Miss World 2025 in Telangana promises to be a spectacle of beauty, culture, and global recognition. However, it remains a divisive issue in Indian politics, with arguments both for and against its hosting. While the event could boost tourism and international exposure, critics argue that the financial priorities of the state should be elsewhere.
As the pageant unfolds in May, all eyes will be on Telangana—not just for the glamour, but also for the political drama surrounding it.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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