Miss World pageant to take place in Hyderabad amid tightened security

Amid rising tensions and a war-like situation between India and Pakistan, India is set to host the 72nd Miss World Pageant starting on May 10 under heightened security.

Around 150 contestants from across the globe have arrived in Hyderabad to participate in the 72nd edition of the Miss World Festival 2025.

The last time India hosted the Miss World event was in Mumbai in 2024.

Earlier, opposition parties, women’s organisations, and right-wing groups, including the Bajrang Dal, voiced strong opposition to the event being held in Hyderabad from May 10 to 31.

The Bajrang Dal opposed holding the beauty pageant amid a ‘war-like situation’ with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Telangana Bajrang Dal convenor Shiv Ram demanded the event be cancelled, stating that everyone should focus on fostering nationalistic sentiments during this time. He warned that the public would not remain silent if the government proceeded with the event instead of supporting the Indian Army.

Citing Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s statement that the state government lacks funds to meet the demands of government employees, the Bajrang Dal questioned how funds were mobilised for conducting the Miss World event.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also opposed the pageant, criticising the government for planning programmes at temples and calling it a ‘cultural jihad.’ The organisation demanded the event not be held at holy sites such as Ramappa Temple, Yadagirigutta, and Ananthagiri Hills.

Women’s groups have also strongly opposed the event, calling it inappropriate and demeaning to women. Various organisations, including the All India Mahila Samskritik Sanghatan (AIMSS) and the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), along with student unions and youth organisations, held a rally in Hyderabad demanding that the government cancel the event.

Despite the opposition, Chief Minister Reddy on Monday instructed officials to make elaborate arrangements to ensure the successful conduct of Miss World. He directed police to enhance surveillance and implement strict security measures for the pageant, which will feature contestants from 116 countries.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of making every programme a success – from the inauguration at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on May 10 to the grand finale on May 31. He also asked officials to provide transport and other necessary facilities for contestants visiting iconic locations such as Charminar, Laad Bazaar, the Telangana Thalli statue at the Secretariat, and various other tourist spots across the state.

 (With inputs from syndicated feed)