Hyderabad: Telangana’s Tourism Minister, Jupally Krishna Rao, on Tuesday described the recently concluded Miss World Pageant-2025 as a resounding success, highlighting its role in showcasing the state’s rich heritage and vibrant culture to a global audience.
Speaking at the Secretariat alongside BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Rao emphasised that Telangana had proven its mettle as India’s youngest state by successfully hosting a month-long international event of such magnitude. He went so far as to suggest that the state was now ready to bid for even larger global competitions, including the Olympic Games in the future.
Throughout the pageant, contestants from around the world toured Telangana’s historical, cultural, and spiritual landmarks, bringing much-needed international attention to the state’s diverse tourist attractions. “This event was not just about glamour, it was about telling Telangana’s story to the world,” Rao remarked.
He revealed that the pageant incurred an expenditure of Rs. 30 crore, of which Rs. 21 crore had already been covered by sponsors. An additional Rs. 11 crore is expected to be reimbursed by sponsors who had promised support. “Even if every sponsor delivers on their promise, the state will have hosted this prestigious event without spending a single rupee from its own coffers,” Rao declared.
Taking aim at opposition parties, Rao accused BRS leaders of launching a malicious campaign against the pageant, diverting attention from its success to unrelated controversies. “Instead of appreciating the government’s efforts, they’re busy weaving baseless stories,” he said.
He ridiculed claims by BRS leaders that each contestant received 30 tolas of gold, clarifying that no such gifts were given. “They’re crying over 30 tolas when we didn’t even give three grams,” Rao quipped.
The Minister also criticised BRS MLA Harish Rao, accusing him of misleading the public with false allegations about the event’s spending. Rao dismissed the claim that each dinner plate at Chowmalla Palace cost Rs. 1 lakh, asserting that the actual cost was just Rs. 8,200 per plate.
Challenging the opposition to a debate on the pageant’s funding, Rao demanded that BRS leaders apologise to the people of Telangana for spreading misinformation.
He concluded by thanking Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for bringing the Miss World Pageant-2025 to Hyderabad and acknowledged the efforts of all who contributed to its success.
72వ మిస్ వరల్డ్ పోటీలలో విజేతలుగా నిలిచిన సుందరీమణులకు రాజ్ భవన్లో ఘనంగా సత్కరించడం జరిగింది. గవర్నర్ జిష్ణుదేవ్ వర్మ దంపతులు, ముఖ్యమంత్రి రేవంత్ రెడ్డి గారు మరియు సహచర మంత్రి పొన్నం ప్రభాకర్ గారితో కలిసి కార్యక్రమంలో పాల్గొని విజేతలను అభినందించాము. ఈ సందర్భంగా తేనీటి విందు… pic.twitter.com/1V2qhtfwlh
— Jupally Krishna Rao (@jupallyk_rao) June 3, 2025