DMK leader M K Stalin accused the government of targeting Christian institutions and minority-run charitable organizations nationwide with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026. He emphasized that the bill disproportionately impacts minority communities, particularly Christian charities. Stalin urged for the complete withdrawal of the bill, disclosing that he had personally written to the Prime Minister expressing the state government’s concerns.
Expressing apprehension, the Chief Minister warned that the amendment could lead to the revocation of registrations and seizure of assets of organizations for minor issues like delayed certificate submissions. He highlighted that these assets, including hospitals, schools, and hostels that serve the public, are at risk, even if they receive funding from both foreign and domestic sources.
DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson criticized the bill’s timing during Easter, stating that it had caused distress among Christians nationwide. Wilson alleged that the government’s targeting of minority properties lacked a clear national security rationale and appeared to be aimed at Christian missionaries, NGOs, and churches. He condemned the retroactive divestment of properties as draconian.
Wilson further pointed out that since 2014, the BJP-led government had reduced funding for Christian missions and churches, revoked licenses of over 20,000 charitable institutions, including 2,500 Christian establishments in 2020, and previously focused on Muslim Waqf properties. He argued that unlike land acquisition laws, the amendment allows for immediate confiscation of crucial assets such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and orphanages, depriving the underprivileged of essential services.
The FCRA Amendment Bill was presented in the Lok Sabha on March 25 by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. The government defends the bill as a step to enhance transparency, ensure proper utilization of foreign funds, and prevent misuse that could impact national security.