Telangana’s opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for admitting a ₹71,000 crore revenue shortfall. He also mentioned that the state barely has enough money to pay salaries and allowances, with no funds for capital expenses. Despite this, the government is spending ₹200 crore on a beauty pageant, which the opposition is questioning.

On Tuesday, BRS lawmakers protested during the budget presentation in the Assembly. They brought dried crops to highlight what they call a "Congress-made drought" and demanded ₹25,000 per acre as relief for affected farmers instead of spending on the Miss World event.

BRS leader KT Rama Rao has also criticized the government's plan to host the 72nd Miss World pageant, questioning the logic behind spending crores of public money. He compared it to the ₹46 crore Formula-E race scam, for which he is facing allegations.

Taking to X last week, he slammed the Congress, saying, "Spending ₹46 crore on a Formula-E race in Hyderabad was wrong and led to cases, but spending ₹200 crore on a beauty contest is justified? What kind of logic is this? Can you explain, Rahul Gandhi?" 

KT Rama Rao also questioned the Congress government’s claims that everything is fine in Telangana. He pointed out that if things were good, why did the Chief Minister admit there is negative growth and a ₹71,000 crore deficit? "Is Telangana improving or struggling?" he asked on Monday.

The BRS slightly softened its attack, with spokesperson Krishank saying their main issue is Congress’ "double standards and hypocrisy," referring to the Formula-E case against KTR.

However, the party still blames Congress for mismanaging Telangana’s money. KTR said the government is wasting funds on election promises and freebies instead of focusing on real issues.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy hit back, blaming former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao for putting the state in huge debt. He said Telangana now has to pay ₹1.53 lakh crore in interest every month. "If this money was saved, we could have built houses for everyone and waived farm loans for 70 lakh farmers," he said.

Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka said the government is working to clear pending payments and has already paid ₹10,000 crore.

Meanwhile, India is hosting the Miss World pageant for the second year in a row. In 2024, it was held in Mumbai, where Czechia’s Krystyna Pyszkova won the crown.

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