Congress Vows to Oppose FCRA Bill, Warns Against Repeat of 2023 Mass Suspension

The Congress party on Sunday (August 9, 2026) announced its strong opposition to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, cautioning the government against attempting to pass it in the remaining days of the Monsoon Session. Party leaders warned against a repeat of the December 2023 episode when 146 Opposition MPs were suspended, allowing the government to push through major legislation.

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said in Alappuzha that the government should not assume it can introduce and pass the FCRA Bill without resistance. “If the Central government thinks they can introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill within these two or three days, they should keep that wish to themselves,” he said. His remarks came as the final week of the session is set to begin, with the government listing the FCRA Bill for consideration.

Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh also reminded the government of the 2023 suspensions. In a post on X, he recalled that 100 Lok Sabha and 46 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended between December 14 and 21, 2023, leaving the Opposition severely depleted. “History should not repeat itself,” he said.

During that period, Parliament passed the three new criminal law Bills, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill was also passed with minimal Opposition presence.

Mr. Venugopal alleged that the proposed FCRA changes are aimed at minorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and said the Opposition would not allow the legislation to be passed. He also questioned the alleged foreign funding received by organisations associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “If you have the courage, try controlling the RSS,” he said, claiming that organisations operating lawfully under the FCRA would instead be targeted.

The Alappuzha MP also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for avoiding Parliament. “If students in India are asking the crucial question of who ordered the use of pellet guns, lathi charges, and tear gas shells against them, Amit Shah should come forward and answer it,” he said.

On the proposed delimitation legislation, Mr. Venugopal said it would penalise states that have successfully implemented population control measures, particularly in southern India and parts of the Northeast. “This bill effectively chokes states that have successfully implemented population control,” he added.

The Congress has issued a three-line whip to its MPs in both Houses to remain present from August 10 to 12, when the final week of the session is expected to see consideration of the FCRA Bill and the possibility of a Constitution amendment Bill on delimitation. The party has also urged its INDIA bloc allies to ensure the presence of their MPs in Parliament.

The FCRA regulates foreign contributions received by individuals and organisations in India. Amendments to the Act have previously tightened scrutiny and restricted the use of foreign funds. The government has defended such changes as necessary to ensure transparency and national security. There was no immediate response from the ruling party to the Congress’s statements.