Opposition parties have criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for introducing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA), 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill, defended by the BJP as being in the ‘national interest,’ aims to regulate foreign funding. It was introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on March 25 during the ongoing Budget Session.
Congress MP Manish Tewari has labeled the Bill as “arbitrary, malafide and capricious,” citing concerns about its constitutionality. He argues that the Bill violates several articles of the Indian Constitution and should be strongly opposed. Congress MP Hibi Eden also criticized the Bill, calling it “draconian” and claiming it infringes on the lives of minority communities.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram accused the BJP-led government of attempting to stifle civil society through the FCRA Amendment Bill. He expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the PM-CARES Fund and electoral bonds, highlighting what he perceives as an institutional collapse. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP N.K. Premachandran have also raised objections to the Bill, labeling it as “undemocratic” and warning of violations of fundamental rights.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi defended the FCRA Amendment Bill, emphasizing its objective to prevent the misuse of foreign funds against national security interests. He stated that the Bill aims to ensure transparency in handling foreign funds by NGOs and to address issues of national importance. Saraogi accused the Opposition of compromising the country’s interests to foreign powers in the past, asserting that the Bill is being introduced in the country’s best interest.
