Opposition MPs accuse NDA of using delimitation, FCRA Bill to retain power
Three Opposition Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu — representing the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) — on Sunday expressed strong opposition to the proposed delimitation of constituencies and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in its present form. They were speaking at a symposium where they accused the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of attempting to manipulate the political system to retain power.
Delimitation is the constitutional process of readjusting the number of seats and boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on population figures. The FCRA is a law that regulates foreign contributions received by Indian organisations. The amendment Bill, which seeks to tighten these norms, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following sustained pressure from Opposition parties.
The MPs argued that the delimitation exercise was specifically aimed at southern States, which have performed well in controlling population rise. They claimed that the FCRA Bill, if passed, would adversely affect minority communities and the organisations run by them, as well as the poorer sections who depend on their services.
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister Ramesh, who participated in the symposium, said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would not remain a spectator when difficulties arose for minorities. He reiterated the government's firm stand on freezing the number of Lok Sabha seats at the existing 543.
Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko (MDMK) pointed out several controversial clauses in the FCRA Bill. He said minority educational institutions play a pivotal role in education and services, which has enabled Tamil Nadu to remain at the forefront. "The Bill would not only affect minorities who run several educational institutions and hospitals, but also hit the poorer sections who benefit from these institutions, not only in Tamil Nadu but across the country," he said. He credited the Opposition's stiff resistance for the Bill's referral to the JPC. He further accused the NDA government of trying to deceive the people on the Delimitation Bill and stressed the need to oppose it as it would harm the interests of southern States.
Nagapattinam MP V. Selvaraj (CPI) said the NDA was attempting to consolidate its position in northern States and stage a comeback without the support of southern States by proposing delimitation. He also said the FCRA Bill was directed against minorities and the organisations run by them.
Congress Rajya Sabha member M. Christopher Tilak said India was a nation of many minorities, and a "false narrative" was being spread that foreign contributions were being used for religious conversion. He did not provide further details.
Indian Union Muslim League national president K.M. Kader Mohideen said the apprehensions of minorities about the FCRA Bill in its present form should be conveyed to the JPC members in person through a memorandum. He called upon MPs from Tamil Nadu to assist minority communities in clarifying their position to the JPC.
The symposium highlights the growing political rift over these two issues, with southern States' representatives asserting that their developmental gains could be undermined. The JPC's deliberations on the FCRA Bill are expected to attract further inputs from affected groups, including the memorandum proposed by Mr. Mohideen.
