BJP Criticizes Karnataka Government Over Microfinance Scams and Online Gaming Issues

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has strongly criticized the Congress-led state government, alleging its complicity in escalating microfinance scams and the unchecked proliferation of online gaming activities.

As reported by Sakshi Post, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, addressed the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, asserting that the current administration’s support has enabled these scams to flourish. He stated, “Without the government’s backing, these scams would not have progressed this far. This has turned into a racket for the police to collect money from both sides.”

Narayanaswamy emphasized that online gaming poses a threat ten times greater than microfinance-related issues. He accused certain ministers and MLAs of the Congress-led government of being involved with online gaming companies and extorting money from the public. “Many youths are being ruined due to online gaming. Misleading advertisements on social media claim that games like rummy can bring easy money, luring people into financial traps. Several individuals, after losing money in these games, resort to theft to repay their debts. Today’s increase in robberies and thefts is mainly due to this issue,” he explained.

He also highlighted that only after several incidents of suicides did the government convene a meeting to discuss the issue. “The government has now spoken about bringing in a new law and taking strict measures to control such activities,” he added.

Despite numerous leaders raising concerns about microfinance-related issues, the government had failed to take action until now. Narayanaswamy welcomed the recent decision to arrest individuals obstructing loan recovery or sending goons to harass borrowers but stressed the importance of investigating the root causes of these problems. He reiterated that online gaming is leading to thefts and robberies, with many individuals quitting their jobs to indulge in these games, while others, burdened by mounting debts, are committing suicide.

BJP MLC N. Ravikumar demanded that the state government release a white paper on the actions taken regarding complaints related to exorbitant interest collection by money lenders, including microfinance companies. He questioned the Congress-led government: “Were you sitting idle until over 7.8 lakh complaints were filed? What measures have you taken so far? How many people have been arrested?”

He highlighted that Belagavi district alone accounted for the highest number of complaints at 2,71,466, followed by Bagalkote with 89,087, Vijayapura with 75,000, and Mandya with 42,500.

The BJP’s criticism underscores the growing concerns over the impact of microfinance scams and online gaming on the state’s populace, particularly the youth. The party has called for stringent action against those involved and greater accountability from the government.

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