Stalin slams FCRA Bill as 'direct attack' on Christian, minority NGOs

TN CM MK Stalin condemned the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, as an 'attack on Christian NGOs and minority institutions'. He accused the BJP of trying to choke foreign funding and urged the PMO to withdraw the 'unjust' bill.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency, has strongly condemned the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it "a direct attack on Christian NGOs, Churches and other minority institutions."

In a post on X, Stalin wrote, "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."

Stalin Accuses BJP of Choking Minority Funds

MK Stalin said the Union BJP Government is trying to choke foreign funding for minority institutions after attempts to take over Waqf properties. He urged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to withdraw the "unjust" FCRA Bill, warning it may be pushed through a special Parliament session despite Opposition protests and upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

"After attempts to take over Waqf properties, the Union BJP Government is now moving to choke foreign funding for other minority institutions. Despite stepping back for now due to Opposition protests and the upcoming elections in Kerala, where Christians live in large numbers, there are clear plans to push #FCRA through in a special session of Parliament. This unjust, arbitrary Bill must be withdrawn in full, and I urge the Hon'ble @PMOIndia to act immediately," he further wrote.

🫆 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

Controversial Bill Sparks Parliament Protests

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. However, Opposition parties have strongly opposed it, alleging that the amendment aims to centralise control over institutions and target minority communities.

The Bill became a flashpoint in Parliament on Wednesday as Opposition MPs staged protests at the Makar Dwar, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

Union Minister Defends FCRA Amendment

Amid the uproar, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the amendment, accusing Congress and Communist leaders of "misleading" people in Kerala. Speaking in 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."

Rijiju added, "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."

Earlier on Wednesday, Rijiju 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. (ANI)

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