Karnataka BJP Criticizes Congress on Microfinance Scams
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Synopsis
On January 25, the BJP in Karnataka heavily criticized the Congress-led state government for its alleged involvement in microfinancing scams, claiming that these issues would not have escalated without their support. The party also raised concerns about the dangers of online gaming, linking it to broader social issues.
Key Takeaways
- BJP alleges Congress supports microfinance scams.
- Online gaming is viewed as a major threat.
- Government's response to microfinance complaints is questioned.
- Call for strict action against online gaming.
- High complaint rates in Belagavi district.
Bengaluru, Jan 25 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led administration in the state, asserting that the ongoing microfinancing scams would not have escalated without the endorsement of the current government.
During a press conference at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, lambasted the state government, accusing it of facilitating the microfinance scams.
"Without the government’s endorsement, these scams wouldn’t have reached this magnitude. It has become a scheme for the police to extort money from both parties," he remarked.
Narayanaswamy added that online gaming poses a threat significantly greater than issues related to microfinance.
He alleged that some ministers and MLAs from the Congress-led government are linked with online gaming enterprises and are exploiting the public.
"Numerous youths are facing destruction due to online gaming. Deceptive advertisements on social media suggest that games like rummy can yield easy profits, ensnaring individuals into financial traps. Many, after incurring losses in these games, resort to theft to settle their debts. The rise in thefts and robberies today is largely due to this problem," he stated.
He noted that it took multiple suicide incidents for the government to finally hold a meeting on Saturday to address the issue.
He further added: "The government has now mentioned implementing a new law and enacting stringent measures to regulate such activities."
Despite numerous leaders expressing concerns about microfinance issues, the government has not taken any substantial actions.
“Finally, a resolution has been made today. The government has declared that anyone who obstructs loan recovery or sends thugs to intimidate borrowers will face arrest. While this decision is a positive step for the welfare of the populace,” he remarked.
He underscored the necessity to investigate the underlying causes of these issues.
“Online gaming is resulting in thefts and robberies,” he said.
He also pointed out that many individuals have left their jobs to engage in these games, while others, overwhelmed by accumulating debts, are committing suicide.
Narayanaswamy called for stringent measures against online gaming and reproached the government for allegedly shielding those engaged in such activities.
BJP MLC N. Ravikumar insisted that the state government publish a white paper detailing the actions taken concerning complaints about exorbitant interest rates imposed by lenders, including microfinance firms.
He interrogated the Congress-led government: "Were you inactive until over 7.8 lakh complaints were lodged? What actions have you undertaken so far? How many individuals have been apprehended?”
He emphasized that Belagavi district alone had the highest number of complaints at 2,71,466, followed by Bagalkote with 89,087, Vijayapura with 75,000, and Mandya with 42,500.
