Congress to strongly oppose FCRA Bill, warns against repeating 2023 ‘mass suspension’ episode

Congress has vowed to strongly oppose the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, warning the government against repeating the controversial tactics used during the 2023 Winter Session, when over 140 opposition members were suspended to facilitate legislative passage. Speaking in Alappuzha on August 9, 2026, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal expressed concerns that the current administration might attempt to fast-track the FCRA Bill through Parliament without sufficient parliamentary scrutiny. “If the Central government thinks they can cook up and introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill within these two or three days, they should keep that wish to themselves,” he stated, emphasizing that such an approach would risk repeating past controversies. Venugopal’s remarks followed a broader strategy by the Congress to mobilize its members ahead of the upcoming sessions. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed similar sentiments on social media, reminding lawmakers of how the government had leveraged the suspension of a large portion of the opposition to pass major legislation in late 2023. During that period, 146 Members of Parliament, 100 in the Lok Sabha and 46 in the Rajya Sabha, were suspended between December 14 and 21, 2023. This enabled the passage of three significant criminal law bills, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. Additionally, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill was also approved during this time. Ramesh emphasized that the government’s actions in 2023 had set a dangerous precedent, one that the Congress is determined to prevent from being repeated. Venugopal further alleged that the proposed FCRA amendments were specifically targeting minority groups and non-governmental organizations, suggesting that the legislation could be used to suppress dissenting voices. He also raised allegations regarding foreign funding received by organizations linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stating, “If you have the courage, try controlling the RSS.” His comments highlighted the growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups, particularly around issues of transparency and accountability. In addition to opposing the FCRA Bill, Venugopal criticized the government for evading parliamentary scrutiny, accusing Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of avoiding questions in Parliament. He pointed to recent protests involving students, who had raised concerns about the use of pellet guns, lathi charges, and tear gas shells against them. “If students in India are asking the crucial question of who ordered the use of pellet guns, lathi charges and tear gas shells against them, Amit Shah should come forward and answer it,” Venugopal said, underscoring the need for greater accountability. The Congress has also raised concerns about the proposed delimitation legislation, arguing that it would unfairly penalize states that have successfully managed population growth, particularly in southern India and parts of the Northeast. Venugopal claimed that the bill would effectively stifle progress in regions that have made strides in implementing effective population control measures. As a result, the party has issued a three-line whip to its MPs in both houses, urging them to attend Parliament from August 10 to 12, when the FCRA Bill and the possibility of a constitutional amendment on delimitation are expected to be debated. The party has also called upon its INDIA bloc allies to ensure the attendance of their representatives in Parliament, reinforcing its stance that the legislation must undergo proper scrutiny before being enacted. With the political landscape increasingly polarized, the upcoming debates will likely serve as a critical test of the government's ability to navigate parliamentary challenges while maintaining its legislative agenda.