New Delhi, March 31 Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Tuesday that the FCRA amendment bill only aims to prevent the use of foreign funding against national security and interests, and not to target any religious organization.
Speaking to reporters at the BJP headquarters, Rijiju criticized the Congress and Left parties, accusing them of spreading false information about the proposed amendment to the FCRA.
"Their claims about the bill are 'completely false, fabricated, and misleading," the senior BJP leader added.
A bill to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, with the government making it clear that individuals engaging in forced religious conversion through foreign funding will not be spared.
Introducing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and ensure proper utilization of funds received from abroad.
Asked about the opposition's claims about the bill, Rijiju said, "There are some rumors spread by the Communist party and the Congress in Kerala that the government of India is bringing the FCRA amendment bill to stop the activities of various religious organizations."
The proposed amendment bill has been brought "only to regulate foreign funding into India, only to check misuse of funds in any illegal activity," the Minority Affairs Minister asserted.
"Money illegally comes and (is) used against national security. So, for national security and in the national interest, the proposed amendments have been brought," he added.
Rijiju alleged that the Left parties and the Congress are spreading falsehoods with regard to proposed amendments in the bill, as they are scared of the BJP getting huge support of people in Kerala in the run-up to the state assembly polls.
"I strongly reject the rumors being spread by the Congress and Communist parties, especially in Kerala. Congress and communists are spreading lies," the senior BJP leader said.
"The bill is not against any religious group... They should stop spreading these kinds of lies," he added.