North India Statesman
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A video of Telangana’s local women helped Miss World contestants to wash their feet in the temple has created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have accused the Congress government of insulting the dignity of Indian women and reviving the colonial era view.
In this footage filmed at the historic Ramappa Temple (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), allegedly, women who are allegedly volunteers, are seen helping to wash the legs of beauty contests and even wiping them with towels.
The ritual was part of the traditional purification exercise before entering the Holy Temple Complex, as stated by the Miss World Organization on social media. According to his official Instagram post, the act was for “purifying physical and spiritual self” and was presented as a symbol of respect for local customs.
However, political reactions to the video were sharp.
BRS Chief Minister A.K. Condemning Revanth Reddy and the Congress government, described the act as “a shameful and derogatory spectacle”, who hurt Telangana’s self -respect. Senior women leaders of BRS, including former ministers Sabita Indra Reddy, Satyavati Rathore, Sunita Laxma Reddy and MLA Kova Lakshmi, wrote an open letter to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, demanding an unconditional apology.
He alleged that Dalits, tribal and economically weak women were “forced” to do these things of service, it was called betrayal with ideals on which the movement of Telangana state was created. The letter said, “It is unacceptable to support Telangana’s daughters only for publicity stunts,” he warned that if such activities were ignored, four crore people of the state, especially its women, may be isolated.
BRS leaders also accused the Congress of disappointing women on a large scale – incomplete promises under the Mahalakshmi scheme, scooter and lack of financial assistance to women and alleged misconduct with ASHA workers and wives of police battalion. The statement said, “The government has Rs 200 crore to spend on international beauty competitions, but not on the welfare of women.”
The BJP described the incident as a symptom of a deep decline in the mindset of the Congress party. Telangana BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy said in a post on X, “The Congress government gave a shocking demonstration of slavery to the local women and washed away the feet of Miss World contestants and wipes, this is a derogatory act that reflects the mentality of the colonial era.”
He also objected to the rituals being performed near the holy places including the tribal deities, Samvadak and Saralamma, including the dedicated areas. He also attributed the Congress high command to equally and demanded that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi apologize for describing it as “blasphemy” and “surrender” of Indian culture and women power (women power).
Meanwhile, the Miss World Organization described this ritual based on tradition and mutual honor and highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the temple journey.
As a legacy experience organized by Telangana tourism, the participants wore sarees, visited historical temples and received handmade gifts.
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