Congress’ K.C. Venugopal slammed the BJP’s ‘double standards’ over the FCRA Bill, calling it an attack on Christians. He also highlighted the UDF’s Kerala election manifesto, promising a ₹3,000 pension and a ₹25 lakh health insurance scheme.
Congress Slams BJP’s ‘Double Standard’ on FCRA Bill
Congress MP and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal slammed the BJP over the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 on Thursday, asserting that his party has exposed the BJP’s double standards to the common people.
Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader alleged that while the BJP approaches the Christian community with cakes during the Christmas season, they simultaneously target nuns and introduce FCRA amendment legislation to systematically attack the community.
“Congress is exposing their double standard,” stated KC Venugopal. “Whenever Christmas season is coming, they will go to the Christians with cake. After that, they will attack nuns, they will attack fathers and they will do this type of FCRA amendment legislation to attack the Christian community. This is the double standard. We are exposing that double standard of Kiren Rijiju,” said Venugopal.
Earlier, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment 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. The FCRA Bill, 2026, was listed for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha on wednesday.
UDF Manifesto Promises Ahead of Kerala Polls
Meanwhile, ahead of the Kerala assembly elections, K.C. Venugopal discussed the UDF manifesto. The Congress leader announced that the party will provide an increase in pension of ₹3,000. He further emphasised the party’s commitment to public welfare by providing a guarantee of the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme, which offers coverage up to ₹25 lakhs. Venugopal asserted that these initiatives are designed to provide complete social and financial security for the poor across Kerala.
“Our commitment to the people is reflecting to the manifesto. We are providing a guarantee for ladies and women. We are providing a guarantee for elderly people. We are guaranteeing a pension for an increase in pension through 3000. We are guaranteeing a women’s health insurance scheme up to 25 lakhs. Basically, so many things are in the manifesto. Basically, we are covering the poor people of Kerala completely,” added Venugopal.
The elections in Kerala will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)