"Intent to unjustly block foreign funding": DMK MP Kanimozhi asks Centre to withdraw FCRA Amendment Bill

In an X post, Kanimozhi said that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance will oppose the Bill, terming it an attempt to undermine equal rights to minority communities.

"The Union BJP government is set to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Bill with the intent to unjustly block foreign funding for voluntary organisations and groups that help advance minority communities. The Constitution of this country guarantees equal rights to all religions. The secular progressive alliance will not permit any attempt to undermine that right. The Union BJP government must immediately abandon this legislative amendment," she wrote.

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."

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. However, Opposition parties have strongly opposed it, alleging that the amendment aims to centralise control over institutions and target minority communities.

Earlier today, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin also strongly condemned the Bill, calling it "a direct attack on Christian NGOs, Churches and other minority institutions."

In a post on X, Stalin wrote, "I strongly condemn the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposed by the Union BJP Government, which is a direct attack on Christian NGOs, Churches and other minority institutions."

MK Stalin said the Union Government is trying to choke foreign funding for minority institutions after attempts to take over Waqf properties. He urged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to withdraw the "unjust" FCRA Bill, warning it may be pushed through a special Parliament session despite Opposition protests and upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

"After attempts to take over Waqf properties, the Union BJP Government is now moving to choke foreign funding for other minority institutions. Despite stepping back for now due to Opposition protests and the upcoming elections in Kerala, where Christians live in large numbers, there are clear plans to push #FCRA through in a special session of Parliament. This unjust, arbitrary Bill must be withdrawn in full, and I urge the Hon'ble @PMOIndia to act immediately," he further wrote.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also expressed concerns over the Centre's move to amend the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), saying it could affect the functioning of social service organisations and limit support to the poor and marginalised.

The Bill has become a major issue of contention ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, as the state houses a major Christian population and several NGOs and organisations drawing funding under the FCRA.

According to the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill, the approximately 16,000 associations are registered under the Act across India and receive around Rs 22,000 crore annually. (ANI)