Soon after Tripura's new Chief Minister Biplab Deb launched a scathing attack on Miss World 1997 Diana Hayden, her ex-publicist Dale Bhagwagar has come to her defense. Dale counters Deb on Diana saying, "I am not in touch with Diana from a few years, but I bet she is way too much smarter than how the Tripura CM wants to portray her."

A few days ago, Biplab Deb had claimed there were internet and satellite communication systems in Mahabharata era, with his comment causing much debate on Twitter as well as national media.

This week, the CM launched an intense attack on the fashion designing and cosmetic industry and taunted women who have won international beauty pageants. "In all of Tripura, I see so many beauty parlours. It's an industry, it's a business," he remarked.

Speaking at a public event, Deb singled out Diana saying, "Even Diana Hayden got it (the world title). See, everyone is laughing. Tell me, was Diana Hayden supposed to get it?"

"Aishwarya Rai got it. That's justified, because she carries the essence of the beauty of Indian women. Indian beauty is all about Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Saraswati. Diana Hayden does not fit to that class of beauty," Deb stated.

Bollywood PR Dale Bhagwagar who has worked with Diana for a long time promptly reacted saying, "I don't know why Mr Deb is suddenly targeting Diana, but what he is stating, lacks merit. Diana is a complete new-age woman -- smart, caring, intelligent, intellectual, well-read, attractive and beautiful. She has a magnetic charm and warmth in her personality."

"After being crowned Miss World, she has actually gone and done real charity work for years together, something many pageant winners only speak about during their crown-seeking days," he added.

It can be noted here that Dale has handled the PR for maximum number of title holders, including names such as Diana Hayden (Miss World 1997), Nikita Anand (Miss India Universe 2003), Pooja Batra (Miss India International 1993), Priya Gill (Miss India International 1995) and Priyanka Chopra (Miss World 2000).