Opposition stands firm against FCRA bill, flags concerns over minority groups
NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Thursday remained united in their opposition to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendment bill, with several members expressing concern that the legislation could disproportionately affect religious minorities and civil society organisations. The issue was discussed during a meeting of opposition leaders, where the parties also deliberated on other parliamentary matters, including the delimitation bill and pending demands related to the ongoing protests.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, briefed the allies about his previous day's discussion with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on the delimitation bill. Gandhi said he conveyed to the government that the opposition's stand on the issue remained unchanged, and that reservation for women should be implemented based on the current strength of the Lok Sabha, which comprises 543 members. This position reiterates the opposition's demand for ensuring that the proposed women's reservation does not get delayed or diluted.
During the discussion on the FCRA bill, several members admitted that the final contents of the proposed legislation were not yet fully clear. However, the parties said they remain firmly opposed to the measure, which they have criticised as targeting religious minorities, particularly Christian charities. A senior opposition member pointed out that the government might remove the clause that gives the legislation retrospective effect, a move that could potentially ease some concerns. The meeting also touched upon reports that the United States has expressed reservations about the bill.
Some allies argued that the opposition should participate in the discussion if the government places the FCRA bill on the parliamentary agenda. However, this approach remained uncertain given the ongoing protests and the general discord between the ruling dispensation and the opposition. The final decision on whether to engage or continue opposing the bill is likely to be taken in light of the government's next move.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the normal functioning of Parliament depends on two conditions: first, that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement on the police crackdown on protesters at Jantar Mantar and offer an apology; and second, that the Prime Minister make a statement on the reported theft of donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Kharge informed the allies that the minister had invited him for a discussion on the matter, but he was out of station at the time.
Several opposition leaders voiced strong objections to the FCRA bill during the meeting. Congress MPs K.C. Venugopal and Hibi Eden said the legislation appears to be aimed at Christian charities and other religious minority organisations. CPM MP John Brittas said the party opposed the bill because it stifles minority groups and civil society. He added that the measure reflects a pattern similar to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which the opposition has also criticised.
The FCRA amendment bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha earlier, seeks to amend the existing law that regulates foreign contributions received by individuals and organisations. The government has maintained that the changes are intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of foreign funds. Critics, however, argue that some provisions could be used to curb the activities of NGOs and minority-run charities.
The opposition's stance on the FCRA bill is part of a larger confrontation between the ruling and opposition benches, which has frequently disrupted parliamentary proceedings. The parties are awaiting the government's response to their demands and the possible scheduling of the bill for discussion. As the session continues, the opposition appears determined to press its case on both the FCRA and other contentious issues.
