BRS working president K T Rama Rao criticised the Congress-led Telangana government for organising beauty contests whilst neglecting the serious issue of farmer suicides in the region.
During Tuesday’s assembly session, KTR questioned the government’s allocation of Rs 55 crore for events like Miss World, whilst farmers face water scarcity for both drinking and irrigation purposes, as per his office’s statement.
“When the state is reeling under distress, with farmers taking their lives, the government is busy organising beauty contests. These events have no relevance or necessity,” KTR said.
He challenged the administration to demonstrate the employment and revenue benefits of such pageants, whilst criticising their promotion as significant international achievements despite their diminishing global importance.
KTR also expressed concern over the restricted access to Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue and its exclusion from tourist attractions. “Why is Ambedkar being held captive behind locks? Will they open it at least on his birth anniversary when followers from across the country visit?” he asked.
He highlighted the government’s inconsistent approach, noting their cancellation of the Rs 46 crore Formula-E event aimed at attracting electronics investments, whilst spending Rs 55 crore on beauty competitions.
The unilateral Formula-E cancellation without Cabinet consultation resulted in a Rs 46 crore loss to the state treasury, according to KTR. He noted that Formula-E had attracted substantial electronics sector investments in Zahirabad, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, and Mahabubnagar, including interest from Tesla.
KTR accused the government of inconsistency in tourism policies, particularly regarding lease arrangements. He questioned why the 33-year Outer Ring Road lease was considered problematic when the current administration proposes 99-year leases for public assets.