Kiren Rijiju Clarifies FCRA Misunderstandings, Assures No Harm to Religious Groups
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing debate surrounding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA), Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated this Saturday that any misinterpretations of the law will be clarified. He assured that while violations will be acted upon, organizations dedicated to the country's welfare would not face disruption.
"Concerns have been raised, and I have reassured everyone that there is no reason to panic because our government serves all citizens. Any misunderstandings will be resolved. The worries expressed by Christian missionaries will also be taken into account. There is no need for concern. We will not engage in any actions that could harm religious groups or social organizations. We are committed to everyone's welfare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that he is dedicated to the well-being of every Indian," Rijiju told IANS.
He accused opposition parties of peddling misinformation for political advantage. "The Congress and other parties are attempting to mislead the people of Kerala for their political gain. We will not engage in political games regarding this matter," he stated.
Rijiju elaborated on the government's position regarding foreign funding, emphasizing that all foreign contributions to India are governed by the FCRA regulations.
"If funds are utilized for their intended purpose of promoting public welfare, there is no cause for concern. However, if any organization misuses these funds for illegal activities or actions against the nation, we will take stringent measures. At the same time, we will not hinder anyone who is genuinely working for the country's betterment," he added.
During his visit to Kerala, the Union Minister engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders.
"I met with various individuals, not just religious leaders. I engaged with social workers, representatives from minority communities, and church leaders. It is my responsibility to connect with all societal segments, and I had fruitful discussions with them," he remarked.
Emphasizing his political responsibilities, Rijiju noted: "As a leader of the BJP, it is my duty to support our party leaders and candidates and to convey the Prime Minister's vision of ‘Viksit Keralam’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ to the populace."
Regarding the public sentiment ahead of the elections, he stated: "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This time, the citizens of Kerala appear to be optimistic."
Kerala is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4. The current Assembly's term concludes on May 23.