"Ordinance to end torture of the poor by microfinance companies": DK Shivakumar

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, "Our government will not allow microfinance companies to take the law into their hands and torture the poor using hooligans. We will give more power to the police to handle this."

When asked about the continuing torture despite warnings by the government, he said, "Many FIRs have been filed against microfinance companies in Belagavi, Bidar, Mysuru, and Ramanagara. The CM and the cooperative ministers have already issued stern warnings in this regard."

Shivakumar further added, "An ordinance is ready and it will be sent to the governor in a couple of days. We have also started helplines in every district headquarters. The CM will also hold meetings on this with senior police officials."

Furthermore, when asked about Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent statement, Shivakumar said, "It is important to understand how much debt the Centre has acquired. Our state government's debt is not high. The PM has alleged that the state will go bankrupt due to guarantee schemes, but we have sound finances. The guarantee schemes are for the people and not for votes. Let her list out what has been given to the state in the Union budget.

When asked about the non-release of funds for the Upper Bhadra project, he said, "One has to keep his or her word. Let her first fulfil the promise."

Asked if any JDS MLAs were in touch with him, Deputy CM Shivakumar said, "I haven't spoken about JDS MLAs. I only said that the JDS MLAs must look after their future. How long will the workers wait? They believe in secularism and they need a secular party to align with. Many JDS workers have come forward to join us."

Asked if any JDS MLA had come forward to join the party, he said, "We will think about that later. No one is in touch with us and I have not spoken to anyone. This is false information. (ANI)