Idukki (Kerala), April 5 Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to amend the FCRA to target Christian institutions, NGOs, and civil society organizations working in the fields of public and social welfare.
Kharge, at a UDF public meeting in the Idukki assembly constituency, said the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) reveal the true intentions of the BJP and Modi.
"This is not a reform. It is an attack, not just on Christian institutions, but on civil society, NGOs, and other institutions that receive funds to improve people's lives," he said.
He said that, just like the amendments to the Waqf Act created fear among Muslims, the proposed changes to the FCRA have made the Christian community apprehensive.
"This is not governance; it is selective targeting of society," he said, and assured that the Congress will stand as a shield against any injustice by the BJP and Modi.
The FCRA Amendment Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, seeks to enhance transparency and ensure proper utilization of foreign funds, while preventing their misuse against national security and interests.
In his speech, Kharge said that winds of change were blowing in Kerala, and the Congress-led UDF was certain to form the government after the elections.
He also asserted that the BJP would not win a single seat in the April 9 assembly polls, as the people of Kerala are well aware and educated enough to understand the saffron party's "communal and divisive designs".
Kharge also criticized the LDF, alleging that under its governance, the state debt had reached nearly Rs 6 lakh crore from Rs 1.57 lakh crore in 2016, the unemployment rate had reached 30 per cent (three times the national average), corruption had increased, and gold had been stolen from the Sabarimala shrine.
"This is indicative of the failure of the government," he contended.
According to him, farmers, fishermen, small traders, and many others feel abandoned, welfare schemes are either delayed or poorly implemented, rising debt, visionless governance, and shrinking opportunities have pushed the state into uncertainty and hopelessness.
Referring to thousands of families facing attacks from wildlife in the area, he said that they still do not have land titles for the land they have lived on for generations, and assured that the Congress would simplify laws and ensure that every deserving family receives its 'pattayam'.
He also assured "proper protection, quick response, and adequate compensation" to those living in the high-range areas who are fearful of attacks by elephants and wild boars.
Kharge further assured that hospitals in the area would be upgraded, and tourism would be developed in a way that benefits the common people.
"Change is coming. Be ready, and if you all support, definitely Congress will… 100 per cent this time," he said, adding, "today, after our strong victory in local body elections across Idukki, it is clear – the people are shifting towards the UDF".
He urged the people to support the Congress and the UDF to strengthen democracy and bring a government that works for the public, including women, youth, Dalits, and backward sections of society.
"Let us together build Kerala as a prosperous, learned, peaceful, and progressive state in the country," he said.