Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], April 3 : CPI Keralam state secretary Binoy Viswam on Friday criticised the Centre over the "discriminatory" Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 and urged the BJP-led Central government to "withdraw the bill immediately."
The Bill provides for the cessation of the FCRA certificate of an organisation upon expiry, non-renewal or refusal of renewal by the government. The amendments also establish a designated authority for "a comprehensive framework for vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets, including provisional and permanent vesting."
Speaking with ANI, Viswam questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the bill, reflecting on the alleged agitation of Muslim and Christian institutions. Asserting that the bill will raise questions among certain sections of society over the future of their identity in the country, the CPI state secretary said that the bill should be withdrawn.
"We have a question for the PM, hoping he will respond to it when he comes to Kerala tomorrow. The question is quite simple- on FCRA. The people of India are agitated, and the Muslims, Christians institutions are afraid of it. The NGOs accepting money from abroad for philanthropic activities are also agitated. Of course, they have to obey the rules and laws," he said.
"All these institutions are badly affected by this law. All segments of Christian faith and Islam are asking about the future of their identity in India. Now, Indian citizens will be discriminated against based on their religion or faith... The BJP govt should withdraw this bill immediately...The PM should announce that they will withdraw this bill...," he added.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, "What I have seen is that the Congress and the Communists are misleading people and telling lies about FCRA..."
The Union Minister who also holds the portfolio of Minority Affairs, defended the bill and alleged that Congress used to treat the minorities, particularly the Muslim community, as its vote bank.
"I am the Minority Affairs Minister. Before PM Modi became the Prime Minister, the minorities in the country were being ignored. Congress used to treat the minorities, particularly the Muslim community, as its vote bank. The micro minorities are also being given due importance under our government," he said.
Appealing directly to the Muslim community, Rijiju said, "I want to tell the Muslim community that Congress is treating their community as a vote bank, which is harmful for Muslims. Why should they become a vote bank of one party? We are for everybody. Only the illegal FCRA accounts will be affected," he added.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India.
The Bill has become a major issue of contention ahead of the Keralam Assembly elections, as the state houses a major Christian population and several NGOs and organisations drawing funds under the FCRA.
According to the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill, approximately 16,000 associations are registered under the Act across India and receive around Rs 22,000 crore annually.