GOAN POLITICIANS WISH NATIONAL FINALIST POONAM KAREKAR SUCCESS, EVEN AS HUGE CONTROVERSY ERUPTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA REGARDING TITOK CONTEST

Jyothi Venkatesh

With Iron Man actor Milind  Soman uninstalling his Tiktok app today, a major controversy has erupted over a Tiktok contest titled *India Tiktok King & Queen*, which had nearly 10,000 participating enthusiasts from all over India. Poonam Karekar Govekar who is one of the national finalists got over 500 comments on social media, with about 80 percent of them criticizing her for participating in the contest. Some social media users have used vulgar language and left feminist or sexist comments. But Poonam is undeterred and determined to be the winner.  The contest is hosted by TV star and Bigg Boss 11 finalist Arshi Khan. We spoke to  a few Goan politicians to find out what they have to say:

Former Panjim MLA *Siddharth Kunkolienkar* wished Poonam all the best.  "She should make Goa proud and win laurels for the State. I wish her all the best," he said. He however opined that the organizers should use a different APP,  preferably an Indian app. Former Goa State BJP President *Vinay Tendulkar* opined that as an artiste and actor it was her individual decision to participate in the contest and he would not like to comment on an individual's personal decision.

But he was critical of Titkok in general. Current BJP State President *Sadanand Tanawade* said that Tiktok should not be encouraged and another app must be chosen. He was however not willing to comment on an individual's decision to enter the contest. Former Goa CM and currently leader of the Opposition *Digambar Kamat* said that people have different opinions on social media and there are several views on the subject, so he wouldn't want to comment as he was not fully in the know of the contest and the matter.

MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco from Curtorim gave a different twist to the issue. He said the BJP ruled government in Goa is exporting raw iron ore mined in Goa to China where it is processed and sold at ten times or hundred times the rates that Goa gets. This is done after approval of the Union Home Ministry. If the government has no problem exporting our natural resources to China why should they have a problem with a simple video app, Reginaldo said that Poonam must participate in the contest and win the first prize for Goa,  without worrying what people  have to say.

He also reminded Goans that the BJP government in Goa has approved the use of Chinese consultants and experts for the Zuari bridge as well as some Chinese hi tech products.” If we use their hi tech products, then why should we target this lady from Mapusa Poonam Karekar who is only a contestant”?.Meanwhile, the voices on social media continue with hundreds of comments calling for a ban on Tiktok.