The Opposition quickly reacted negatively to the introduction of the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha last week. This discussion occurs amid the last-minute Assembly election campaigns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
In a post on X, Stalin stated, “I strongly condemn the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposed by the Union BJP Government, which constitutes a direct attack on Christian NGOs, Churches, and other minority institutions.”
Stalin asserted that the Union BJP Government aimed to restrict foreign funding for other minority institutions “after attempts to take over Waqf properties,” drawing parallels to the prior Waqf controversy.
He urged the Prime Minister’s Office to take prompt action, cautioning that despite the government’s retreat due to opposition protests and the approaching Kerala Assembly elections, there are clear intentions to push the Bill through a special session of Parliament.
“Even though there has been a temporary withdrawal due to Opposition protests and the upcoming elections in Kerala, where Christians form a significant demographic, there are evident plans to advance #FCRA in a special session of Parliament,” Stalin remarked.
He called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act swiftly and insisted that the “unjust and arbitrary” law be entirely repealed. “This unjust, arbitrary Bill must be completely withdrawn, and I urge the Hon’ble @PMOIndia to take immediate action,” Stalin emphasized.
???? 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.
???? After attempts to take over Waqf properties, the Union BJP Government…
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) April 2, 2026
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25. The Bill seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act of 2010, which governs the receipt and application of foreign funding by public trusts and non-governmental organizations in India.
The main elements of the Bill include establishing a designated authority to oversee the management and distribution of foreign contributions and assets, along with provisions to revoke an organization’s FCRA certificate upon expiration, non-renewal, or denial of renewal by the government.
The proposed bill indicates that around 16,000 associations are registered under the FCRA and receive approximately ₹22,000 crore annually.
DMK MP and party general secretary Kanimozhi supported the Chief Minister’s views. She stated that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance would not permit any efforts to undermine the constitutional guarantee of equal rights for all religions, labeling the Bill as an attempt to “unjustly obstruct foreign funding for voluntary organizations that assist in the advancement of minority communities.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan further asserted that the FCRA amendment was driven by ‘political motives’ and accused the Centre of ‘neglecting’ the concerns of minority groups.
The Union government has defended the legislation. According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the amendment is designed to “regulate foreign contributions, ensuring proper utilization for national interest and security, and preventing misuse of funds,” and it is not intended to target any specific faith or organization.
