Congress and Left have ramped up attacks on the Centre's FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, sparking concerns among Kerala's Christian groups ahead of April 9 assembly elections. Church leaders warned against targeting legitimate organisations. The BJP insists the changes safeguard national security.
The Union government introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha last week. Officials stated it seeks to strengthen regulations on foreign-funded organisations and fix legal gaps in asset management.
Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil said on Tuesday that the proposed rules must not destroy legally operating organisations or Christian church activities, urging the Centre to address concerns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the bill for creating a "sense of insecurity" among a section of society. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal posted on X: "This is a blatantly unconstitutional law, which will destroy NGOs and community organisations — especially those run by minority communities."
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the bill aims to prevent foreign funding against national security and interests, denying it targets religious groups. He accused Congress and Left of "completely false, fabricated and misleading" claims. State BJP leader Shone George said the Church has no reason to worry.
BJP has fielded Christian leaders in key central Kerala seats like Kanjirapally (George Kurian), Pala (Shone George), Thiruvalla (Anoop Antony), and Thrissur (Padmaja Venugopal). The issue also concerns Twenty20 in Kunnathunadu, Ernakulam district, with significant Christian voters.
