Opposition closes ranks against FCRA Bill as Monsoon Session nears end

Opposition parties have stepped up their resistance to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, with leaders of Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and Congress accusing the BJP-led government of using the legislation to target the NGOs and political opponents.

TMC MP Saugata Roy said his party would strongly oppose the proposed legislation, alleging that it was part of the BJP’s communal agenda.

“We will strongly oppose it. The FCRA Bill is part of the BJP’s communal agenda,” Roy said.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also voiced opposition to the Bill, alleging that it was intended to intimidate people and target properties registered under non-governmental organisations and other organisations.

“The FCRA Bill is being brought to intimidate people. Somewhere, this is a way of targeting properties registered under NGOs and organisations,” Yadav said.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said his party’s position on the legislation was clear, but linked its consideration to the Congress’ demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament on the alleged atrocities against students in Delhi.

“We will see. Our stand is very clear on that. Regarding any bill, including the FCRA Bill, first of all, Amit Shah should come to Parliament and make a statement on the atrocities against the students of Delhi. This is our clear demand. Without a statement on that issue, we are not going to allow him to proceed with these matters,” Venugopal said.

The opposition’s objections come as uncertainty continues to surround several key pieces of legislation with only four days remaining in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Bills concerning women’s reservation and delimitation, along with the FCRA amendment legislation, remain among the measures whose legislative fate is unclear. None of these Bills has been listed for consideration in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The Congress and several of its major allies have maintained that they will oppose the Bills in Parliament. However, some opposition parties have indicated a more flexible position on the issues of women’s reservation and delimitation.

With the Monsoon session nearing its end, the government and opposition remain at odds over the legislative agenda, while the FCRA Bill has emerged as another potential flashpoint in the House.

Opposition leaders have made clear that they intend to scrutinise and resist the proposed legislation, setting the stage for further political confrontation during the remaining days of the Monsoon Session.

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