Kottayam (Kerala), March 30 BJP state vice president Shone George said on Monday that concerns about the FCRA amendment bill are "baseless" and asserted that the proposed changes are aimed only at regulating foreign funds received by NGOs.
His statement comes amid criticism from Christian organizations and political leaders, who have alleged that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, targets minorities and has become a major issue in Kerala's Assembly election campaign.
George, who is contesting from the Pala constituency, said Christian churches and institutions have no reason to worry as their accounts and financial dealings are transparent.
"Only those organizations and accounts involved in irregularities need to be concerned," he said.
He alleged that funds for anti-national activities are being routed into the country through certain NGOs and said the law is intended to regulate such entities.
Accusing the Congress and Left parties of "spreading misinformation", he said they were trying to create unnecessary fear among minorities.
"Their attempt is to mislead minorities and spread baseless concerns about the provisions of the law," he said.
He added that similar fears were raised during the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act and discussions around the Waqf amendment, but neither law harmed minority communities.
George also referred to reports of a US national arrested in Manipur allegedly routing funds into India through FCRA accounts for unlawful activities, saying such instances underline the need for regulation.
He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that the amendments are not intended to target genuine organizations functioning lawfully.
"There is no need for concern among Christian communities. The BJP is committed to protecting the interests of all minorities," he said.
George added that the party leadership has discussed the issue and assured that any genuine concerns would be addressed before final decisions are taken.
Meanwhile, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, expressed concern over the proposed amendments, saying they could adversely affect church institutions.
Speaking to reporters, he said funds received from abroad are contributions from church members working overseas and not from foreign organizations.
"Even restricting such funds raises serious concerns. The possibility of institutions built using foreign contributions being taken over is worrying, and the bill should be reconsidered," he said.
He said that while the government maintains that both majority and minority organizations receive foreign funds, the proposed changes are causing distress to church institutions.
"When funds are blocked, the church’s charitable and mission activities will be affected. This is not an appropriate step," he said.
He also alleged that some of its FCRA accounts have been blocked without clear reasons and that repeated requests to resolve the issue have not yielded results.
Earlier in the day, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal alleged that the FCRA amendment bill targets minority communities and charitable organizations.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the bill was “hanging over minorities like a sword of Damocles” and claimed it was aimed at bringing Christian communities under control.
He alleged that the proposed amendments would restrict charitable organizations and allow greater central intervention, including provisions to take over organizations by appointing administrators.
Calling the bill “draconian”, Venugopal demanded its withdrawal and said the Congress would oppose it both inside and outside Parliament, adding that the issue has wider national implications.