Hyderabad, 6 May (H.S.): Right-wing groups, including the Bajrang Dal, have partnered with opposition parties and women’s organizations to protest the 72nd Miss World Beauty Pageant, scheduled in Hyderabad from May 10 to 31. Telangana’s Bajrang Dal Convenor, Shiv Ram, opposed the event, citing national unrest following the Pahalgam terror attack, and called for its cancellation to focus on boosting nationalistic sentiments instead of distractions. He criticized the government for prioritizing the pageant amidst claims of financial crisis, questioning how funds were allocated for it while salary and pension demands remain unmet.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also expressed discontent, condemning the hosting of events at sacred Hindu sites such as Ramappa Temple and Yadagirigutta, labeling it cultural jihad and demanding the withdrawal of such plans. Women’s organizations, including the All India Mahila Samskritik Sanghatan (AIMSS) and the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), protested, arguing the pageant objectifies women and misuses public funds during a financial crisis.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) criticized the Congress government for misallocated spending, noting an alleged budget of Rs. 200 crores for the pageant while failing to support essential services. Nevertheless, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered officials to proceed with elaborate arrangements for the Miss World event, ensuring tight security and facilitating visits to key tourist attractions for international contestants.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar