Controversy Erupts as Telangana Women Wash Miss World Contestants' Feet

Outrage Over Traditional Gesture at Ramappa Temple

Hyderabad: A video that surfaced showing women washing the feet of Miss World contestants at the Ramappa temple has ignited significant backlash, with both the BRS and BJP condemning the act as disrespectful to the women of Telangana.

In response to the uproar, the state government defended the action on 'X', stating, "This is a tradition we uphold in line with the principle 'Atithi Devo Bhava', which signifies offering our esteemed guests the utmost respect."

The contestants, adorned in sarees, visited the historic Ramappa Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during their heritage tour in the state on Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, the video captured women pouring water over the contestants' feet, who were seated in a row. One woman was seen using a towel to dry a contestant's feet, leading to the video's viral spread.

The incident, described as 'appalling' by the BRS, highlighted that local Dalit, tribal, and economically disadvantaged women were compelled to wash and wipe the feet of the international beauty pageant participants, triggering widespread outrage across Telangana and damaging the state's pride.

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao criticized the Congress Chief Minister, stating, "The Congress CM has officially lost his mind," while sharing the video on his 'X' account.

Congress CM has officially lost his mind https://t.co/oPXT15IcW5

— KTR (@KTRBRS) May 15, 2025

Telangana BJP chief and Union minister G Kishan Reddy took to 'X' to accuse the Congress party of perpetuating a legacy of subservience to foreigners, asserting that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's actions have undermined the dignity of Indian women in a bid to curry favor with Delhi.

He demanded an unconditional apology from Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for what he termed a disgrace to the dignity and culture of Telangana's women.

Former Minister and BRS legislator Sabitha Indra Reddy also expressed her dismay on 'X', calling the incident a severe affront to the daughters of Telangana, a land known for its legendary women like Rudramadevi, Sammakka, and Saralakka.

She criticized the Congress government for dishonoring the women of the state, stating that this incident has not only embarrassed Telangana but also tarnished the reputation of Indian women globally.

The grand finale of Miss World is scheduled for May 31, with the contestants, numbering over 100, visiting various significant tourist sites throughout the state during their stay.