FCRA Bill sent to JPC via voice note amid fierce protest by Opposition MPs

Published 12 August 2026 · politics

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday after the Centre moved a motion in the

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday after the Centre moved a motion in the Lok Sabha amid fierce protests and objections from Opposition MPs. The motion was accepted through a voice vote. Akhilesh Yadav and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also engaged in a sharp faceoff over the Opposition's allegation that the proposed legislation targets minorities. Yadav said the entire Opposition opposed the bill and asked, "Which bill has this government brought so far that was not against minorities?" Rijiju hit back by challenging Yadav to point out a single provision that targets minorities, saying the Opposition was misleading the House. Read Full Story Yadav said, "We, the entire Opposition, are against the FCRA bill that the government is bringing. Honourable Speaker, the honourable minister is saying that this bill is not against minorities. I want to ask the honourable minister, tell us, which bill has this government brought so far that was not against minorities?" Rijiju responded, "I challenge Akhilesh Yadav ji to tell us one point that is against minorities. You only want to mislead the House." He also said there was no question of targeting minorities and that the country could not allow foreign funds to flow without a legal framework.

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai moved the motion to refer the FCRA Bill to a JPC after the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings following its adjournment in the morning. CONGRESS DEMANDS BILL WITHDRAWAL Congress MP KC Venugopal demanded that the government withdraw the bill, alleging that it was aimed at targeting minorities and NGOs. He said, "This is clearly for targeting minorities and NGOs. The government should withdraw this bill." Rijiju said the Congress had itself demanded that the bill be referred to a JPC and asked the Opposition to use the committee process to raise its concerns. He said there was no question of targeting minorities and told Venugopal, "Don't mislead the House." Rijiju said the Opposition should welcome the government's decision to refer the bill to a JPC because referring legislation to a committee would allow detailed discussion. He also challenged the Opposition to identify any provision that was against minorities. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier urged the Centre to refer the bill to a joint committee for detailed examination, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also raised concerns over its provisions with the Centre.