With just eight days until the Kerala assembly polls on April 9, the national Congress leadership has directed its Members of Parliament to head to New Delhi for the ongoing session. This move aims to counter the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which the party views as unconstitutional. Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal criticized the timing of the amendments, alleging an effort to limit parliamentary scrutiny.
Venugopal expressed concerns that the amendments could have significant implications for civil society, particularly affecting non-governmental organizations and community-based groups, especially those serving minority communities. He emphasized that the changes could weaken institutions crucial for social service and democratic participation. The party has vowed to vehemently oppose the bill and is preparing for a strong political and parliamentary resistance.
As part of their protest strategy, the Congress plans to stage a demonstration outside Parliament at 10:30 am to rally broader opposition support against the amendments. Venugopal also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Modi, accusing them of pursuing a divisive agenda through the proposed legislation. He warned that the bill could create mistrust and polarization among communities, particularly minority groups, including Christian institutions in states like Kerala.
Venugopal highlighted the increased regulatory controls in the proposed amendments, expressing concerns that the stringent provisions could further restrict voluntary organizations. The upcoming days are likely to witness heightened political confrontations as the opposition gears up to challenge the bill both within and outside Parliament. Church leaders in Kerala have also voiced their opposition to the proposed amendments, while the State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed the FCRA issue as unnecessary, attributing it to pre-election tactics by the Congress.
