Telangana Foot-Washing Ritual for Miss World Contestants Sparks Political Uproar in India

Telangana women washing feet of Miss World contestants

A video capturing local Telangana women assisting Miss World contestants in washing their feet at the historic Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) accusing the Congress-led state government of degrading Indian women and perpetuating colonial-era servility.

The incident took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of a ritual described by the Miss World organization as a traditional purification practice. In a social media post, the organization stated the act was meant to “cleanse the physical and spiritual self” before entering sacred temple grounds and was intended as a mark of respect for local customs.

However, the reaction from political leaders was swift and scathing. The BRS denounced the event as “a disgraceful and humiliating spectacle,” directly blaming Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Congress government for damaging Telangana’s pride. Prominent BRS women leaders — including Sabitha Indra Reddy, Satyavati Rathod, Sunita Laxma Reddy, and MLA Kova Laxmi — penned an open letter to Sonia Gandhi, demanding an unconditional apology for what they called the exploitation of Dalit, tribal, and economically disadvantaged women.

The letter warned that using Telangana’s daughters “as mere props for a publicity stunt” was a betrayal of the state’s values and risks alienating its four crore residents, particularly women. The BRS also accused the Congress of broader neglect of women’s welfare — citing the failure to deliver on promises under the Mahalakshmi scheme, the non-distribution of scooters and financial assistance to women, and poor treatment of ASHA workers and police battalion spouses.

The BJP echoed these concerns, slamming the Congress government for allowing what it described as a “humiliating act” that reflects a “colonial-era mindset.” Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy took to social media, condemning the ritual and criticizing its proximity to sacred tribal deity spaces dedicated to Sammakka and Saralamma. He demanded apologies from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, calling the incident “blasphemous” and a “surrender” of Indian culture and the concept of Nari Shakti (woman power).

While the opposition accused the government of undermining women’s dignity, the Miss World organization defended the ritual as part of a respectful cultural immersion. Contestants wore traditional saris, visited heritage temples, and were presented with handcrafted local gifts as part of the experience, which was curated in collaboration with Telangana Tourism.

The controversy continues to stir heated debate across the state, with questions raised over the portrayal of tradition, the role of volunteers, and the broader political messaging around women’s empowerment.