Congress issues whip for MPs ahead of FCRA, delimitation bills in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The Congress party has issued a three-line whip to its members in both Houses of Parliament, directing them to be present from August 10 to 12 as the government is likely to take up the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, along with a possible discussion on the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.

The whip, issued by Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh, instructs all party MPs to remain in the House from 11 am onwards until adjournment on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 10, 11 and 12, 2026, and support the party's stand. A similar whip has been issued to Congress members in the Lok Sabha.

Sources said the party has also asked all allies in the INDIA bloc to ensure their MPs are present on those three days. The directive comes as the ruling side is expected to move the FCRA Amendment Bill for consideration and passage, and may also introduce a bill on delimitation, which seeks to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on population data.

The FCRA, originally enacted in 2010, regulates foreign funding received by non-governmental organisations and other entities. The amendment bill, first introduced in 2020, proposes changes that the government says will streamline and tighten the law. Critics have argued that certain provisions could curb the functioning of civil society organisations. The opposition has described the bill as an attempt to silence dissent, while the government maintains it is aimed at ensuring transparency and national security.

However, the tentative list of government business for next week, issued by the minister of state for parliamentary affairs, does not explicitly mention either the FCRA Amendment Bill or the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation. This has created uncertainty about whether these bills will actually be taken up on those days.

Political observers note that the timing of the whip is significant. The opposition wants to put pressure on the government over the pending bills, and the presence of MPs is crucial for any floor test or extended debate. The Congress's move to involve INDIA bloc partners suggests a coordinated strategy to confront the government on these issues.

The delimitation bill, if introduced, is expected to be a major flashpoint. Delimitation would redraw constituency boundaries based on the latest census, which many southern states fear could reduce their representation in Parliament. The government has not yet officially placen the bill on the agenda, but its possible reintroduction has already triggered political debate.

Parliament's Monsoon Session, which began earlier this month, has seen multiple disruptions over separate issues. Opposition parties have repeatedly sought discussion on matters such as inflation, unemployment, and alleged misuse of investigative agencies. The government has defended its legislative agenda, saying it is focused on development and governance reforms.

The Congress whip is a procedural move that ensures party discipline. It comes days after the government and opposition clashed over the suspension of some MPs for unruly behaviour. The political atmosphere remains tense, and the next three days are likely to witness heated exchanges if the FCRA and delimitation bills are brought up.

As Parliament gears up for a crucial week, all eyes are on the government's next move regarding these two contentious pieces of legislation. The opposition's unified presence is intended to signal its resolve, but the final outcome will depend on the numerical strength and nd the government's willingness to allow a thorough debate.