Andhra Pradesh bill was urgent, FCRA not dropped: Kiren Rijiju

Parliamentary Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed allegations that the FCRA Bill, 2026, was dropped due to political pressure, clarifying that the 'urgent' Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was prioritized. He accused the Opposition of misleading.

Union Parliamentary Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the government did not take up the Foreign Contribution (Amendment) Regulation Bill, 2026, for passage in the Lok Sabha due to political pressure. Rijiju reasoned that many bills are taken up for consideration after seeing the situation.

He also stated that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, was "urgent" so it was taken up in the Lok Sabha today. "This is not a political issue. Many bills have been introduced, but they are taken up for consideration seeing the situation. The bill relating to Andhra Pradesh was taken up today as it was an urgent matter. Don't go by what the Opposition alleges, but according to reality. We always follow the rules," he said.

Rijiju accuses Opposition of spreading 'misinformation'

The FCRA bill was listed for debate and passage in Lok Sabha, but the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the House that it would not be taken up and accused Congress and CPI (M) of "misleading" the people Speaking at the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said, "Kerala MPs are under a serious misunderstanding. The FCRA Amendment Bill was introduced earlier, which is why it has come up now. I had informed senior Congress leaders yesterday and again today that the FCRA would not be taken up for consideration today. There is indeed misinformation being spread about the FCRA."

'Bill not against any religion or organisation'

"The amendment is aimed at regulating foreign contributions, ensuring proper utilisation in the national interest and national security, and preventing misuse of funds. It is not against any religion or organisation. Congress and the Communist Party are misleading the people of Kerala in view of the elections. They should not mislead the House or the people of Kerala for the sake of elections," he said.

FCRA Bill and Opposition's stance

The FCRA Bill, 2026, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25 and seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. However, the Opposition has strongly rejected it, accusing the Centre of attempting to centralise control over institutions and affect minorities and NGOs across the country. (ANI)

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