Congress Vows Strong Opposition to FCRA Bill
The Congress has announced strong opposition to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning the government against pushing the legislation through Parliament without adequate debate. The party has also invoked the mass suspension of Opposition MPs during the 2023 Winter Session while preparing for a possible confrontation over the Bill.
Congress Vows to Oppose FCRA Amendment Bill
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal described the proposed legislation as “unconstitutional and anti-people” and accused the Centre of targeting NGOs and minority-linked organisations through tighter controls on foreign contributions.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also confirmed the party’s opposition, while Opposition floor leaders are expected to coordinate their parliamentary strategy.
The Congress has issued a whip asking its MPs to remain present in Parliament as the legislation comes up for consideration.
FCRA Bill Expands Powers Over NGO Assets
The FCRA Amendment Bill creates a Designated Authority to supervise, manage and potentially dispose of foreign-funded assets belonging to organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or is not renewed.
Assets could permanently vest with the authority in certain circumstances, while proceeds from their disposal could be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.
The Bill also proposes changes to penalties for FCRA violations, including a reduction in the maximum imprisonment term for certain offences.
Congress Warns Against Repeat of 2023 Suspensions
Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh said the party does not want a repeat of December 2023, when a large number of Opposition MPs were suspended during the Winter Session.
Congress argues that several major laws were passed during that period with limited Opposition presence and wants its MPs present if the FCRA Bill is taken up.
The legislation is expected to trigger a sharp political confrontation between the government and Opposition over foreign funding regulation and NGO oversight.
