New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 30 (NationPress) The amendments proposed to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have escalated into a significant political controversy in Kerala as the Assembly elections approach. Church leaders and the Congress party have voiced strong opposition, while the Centre has categorically denied any claims of targeting minority groups.

The spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos, spearheaded the condemnation from the Christian community, cautioning that the amendments could “stifle” church operations and jeopardize longstanding social service initiatives.

He emphasized that the Church adheres strictly to legal norms, arguing that the new regulations would severely restrict institutions involved in education, healthcare, and charitable work.

Additionally, he expressed unease regarding what he perceived as a shift in the government's stance towards minorities, raising questions about a potential “double standard” in policy.

The Catholicos also disclosed that three Church accounts had been frozen without adequate justification.

Despite addressing these issues directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he reported no resolution had been achieved.

He warned of organized protests alongside other denominations, demanding an immediate reassessment or retraction of the amendments.

Leaders from other Christian groups, such as the Syro-Malabar Church, shared similar apprehensions, particularly regarding provisions that would enable the Centre to seize assets if licenses are not renewed, potentially jeopardizing charitable organizations built over decades with foreign aid.

The Congress party intensified its political offensive.

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal accused the amendments of being part of a “larger conspiracy” by the BJP aimed at limiting voluntary efforts by minority communities.

He labeled the bill as a “sword of Damocles” threatening minorities and accused the Centre of attempting to intimidate and control Christian institutions.

Moreover, he criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his ambiguous stance on the FCRA matter, asserting that he was undermining broader opposition unity against the BJP.

Venugopal dismissed the Centre’s justification that the amendments were intended to prevent forced religious conversions, asserting it was merely a facade to target genuine humanitarian efforts in remote and tribal areas.

He cautioned that provisions allowing government takeover of organizations receiving even minor foreign funding could be misused.

In contrast, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted the criticisms, stating that the FCRA amendments do not target any specific religious group.

According to him, the primary aim is to prevent the misuse of foreign funds and ensure national security.

He characterized allegations of the law being aimed at controlling Christian institutions as “unfounded”, emphasizing that it is the government's duty to ensure transparency in foreign funding.

As the polling date approaches, the FCRA controversy has emerged as a pivotal election issue in Kerala, intensifying political divisions and attracting prominent religious figures, while the Centre maintains that the amendments are strictly regulatory.

In Kerala, where Christians make up approximately 18 percent of the 3.30 crore population, elections are scheduled for April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.