Video of women washing feet of Miss World contestants at Telangana temple sparks row

HYDERABAD: A video showing women washing the feet of Miss World contestants during a visit to historic Ramappa temple in Telangana has sparked controversy, news agency PTI reported.The footage circulated on social media, shows a group of contestants seated in a row at the Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district while a few women pour water on their feet and wipe them with towels.The act, described as part of a traditional welcome, took place during a cultural visit organised for the Miss World contestants, who are touring Telangana ahead of the pageant’s grand finale in Hyderabad on 31 May.The Telangana government defended the gesture, saying it was in keeping with the Indian tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava, which treats guests as divine.In a post on social media platform 'X', it said the act was meant to honour the international visitors in line with local customs. However, opposition leaders strongly criticised the event, calling it degrading and disrespectful, particularly to the women involved—many of whom, they claimed, belonged to Dalit, tribal and economically weaker backgrounds. “The Congress CM has officially lost his mind,” said K T Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), who reposted the video on X. In a party statement, the BRS described the incident as “appalling” and said it had “deeply hurt the self-respect of Telangana.” Union minister and Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy also condemned the act, accusing the Congress party of continuing what he called its "legacy of making Indians kneel before foreigners."He said chief minister Revanth Reddy had “trampled on the dignity and self-respect of Indian women in a desperate attempt to please his party high command.” BRS legislator and former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy also weighed in, saying the act dishonoured the legacy of powerful women from the region, such as Rudramadevi, Sammakka, and Saralakka. “This has not only shamed Telangana but also tarnished the image of Indian women globally,” she said. More than 100 Miss World contestants are currently visiting key tourist sites across Telangana as part of a state-led initiative to promote cultural heritage and tourism. The Ramappa Temple, where the incident occurred, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Kakatiya-era architecture. The government has not commented on whether the ritual was pre-planned or voluntarily performed by the local women. The Dignity Foundation and other women's rights groups also have also voiced concern calling for further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the event.