FCRA Amendment Bill Targets Minorities: K C Venugopal

K C Venugopal, general secretary of the Indian National Congress, on Monday alleged that the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) are aimed at targeting minority communities and charitable organisations.

Addressing a press conference in Kottayam, Venugopal claimed the bill hangs "like a sword of Damocles" over minorities, particularly the Christian community, and is designed to bring them under greater control. The amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, with the government asserting that it seeks to curb forced religious conversions allegedly funded through foreign contributions.

Venugopal, however, argued that several provisions in the bill would restrict the functioning of charitable organisations and allow increased intervention by the central government. He alleged that the legislation was introduced without sufficient notice, especially when many Members of Parliament were occupied with election campaigning in poll-bound states.

He said concerns around the bill were first highlighted by Congress MP Manish Tewari, who pointed out alleged anomalies in its provisions. Despite objections, the government proceeded with introducing the bill, Venugopal added.

The Congress leader further claimed that the amendments would empower authorities to take control of organisations, including those run by minorities, by appointing designated administrators. He questioned the intent of the legislation and urged the Prime Minister to clarify its purpose, particularly during his visits to Kerala.

Linking the issue to the ongoing political climate ahead of the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls, Venugopal alleged a broader pattern of actions targeting minority communities. He also referred to past debates around the Waqf amendment bill, stating that the Congress had warned similar measures could later affect other groups, including economically weaker sections.

Describing the proposed changes as "draconian," he demanded their immediate withdrawal and said the Congress would oppose the bill both inside and outside Parliament.

Venugopal also criticised provisions that would allow authorities to take over organisations and their assets if their FCRA licences are cancelled after receiving foreign funds, calling it excessive state control.

In addition to the FCRA issue, he took aim at the Prime Minister for not addressing the alleged Sabarimala gold loss case during a recent rally in Palakkad, and questioned why the Bharatiya Janata Party has not raised the matter despite claiming to represent devotees.

He accused the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala of trying to divert attention from the issue through other allegations, which he said had already been dismissed following a vigilance probe.

Venugopal also raised concerns over the delay in setting up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, alleging that despite assurances, the state has not received one while other states have.

Highlighting the promises of the United Democratic Front (UDF), he expressed confidence that the Congress-led alliance would secure a clear mandate in the upcoming elections and implement its guarantees.