The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, sparked a political storm as Opposition MPs slammed it, calling it a “draconian law” and “legalising bulldozer raj.” The Centre is accused of trying to centralise control over government and non-government bodies.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, triggered a political storm on Wednesday, with several Opposition MPs strongly criticising the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill and accusing the Centre of attempting to centralise control over institutions while “legalising bulldozer raj.”
Opposition Slams Bill as ‘Legalising Bulldozer Raj’
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dimple Yadav stated that the introduction of the Bill aims to force conformity across both government and non-government sectors. “The government wants that, whether it is a government institution or a non-government institution, everything should run according to them. That is why this amendment bill is being brought,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Jebi Mather stated, “FCRA Amendment Bill being tabled by the government is a clear case of legalising bulldozer raj.”
SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav also criticised the government’s legislative approach, claiming that bills under the current regime favour corporate interests over public welfare. “Every bill that this government has brought so far has been against the people of the country. Every bill that has been brought till now has been in favour of some capitalists. Not a single bill has been in the interest of the people,” he said. He dismissed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026, as a ploy to collect a massive sum from the public in the name of welfare. “They will collect money from the people in the name of regulation. What else do they do?” he alleged.
The Bill became a central point of debate as Opposition MPs also protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament today, demanding the withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Congress MP Hibi Eden called it a “draconian law” that could affect minorities and NGOs across the country indicate intense resistance to the legislation aimed at amending foreign funding regulations. Speaking to ANI, Eden said, “It is a draconian law which will hamper the interests of not just the minorities but many NGOs running in India…We will strongly condemn and object, and demand withdrawal of this bill.”
Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said,”…We are against it. It should be an impartial decision which benefits all sections of society; it cannot be selective.”
Government Defends Bill, Accuses Opposition of Misinformation
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted earlier, leading to adjournment till noon as opposition MPs began protesting over the FCRA Bill. Amid the uproar, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress and Communist Party of misleading people in Kerala over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
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.”
“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.
The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the objective of enhancing transparency and accountability in the utilisation of foreign funds in India. (ANI)
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