Beauty contest cancelled in Orissa in view of Bajrang/VHP protest

A beauty pageant has been cancelled in Berhampur, Orissa after protestors, allegedly Bajrang Dal activists, ransacked the venue.

Just before commencement of the show to chose 'Miss Berhampur', slogan shouting protestors came in a procession and damaged the ramp and set the banner on fire yesterday.

"There is nothing wrong in holding such a contest as the contestants were wearing Indian costumes", a coordinator of the show told mediapersons present at the venue.

"In the screening test, we had rejected several contestants because they did not follow the dress code prescribed by us", he said.

The protestors claimed they opposed the beauty pageant as "it is against Indian culture and tradition".

"We have the highest regard for women in Indian culture and such shows are certainly disrespectful to them", Ramakant Rath, a Bajrang Dal leader said.

Police, however, said that they had not received any complaint in connection with the incident.