Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 10: Opposition parties have stepped up their resistance to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, accusing the BJP-led government of using the legislation to target NGOs and political opponents.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said his party would strongly oppose the proposed legislation, alleging that it was part of the BJP's communal agenda.
“We will strongly oppose it. The FCRA Bill is part of the BJP's communal agenda,” Roy said.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also opposed the Bill, alleging that it was aimed at intimidating people and targeting properties registered under NGOs and other organisations.
“The FCRA Bill is being brought to intimidate people. Somewhere, this is a way of targeting properties registered under NGOs and organisations,” Yadav said.
Congress MP K C Venugopal said his party's position on the Bill was clear, but linked its consideration to the Congress' demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament on alleged atrocities against students in Delhi.
“We will see. Our stand is very clear on that. Regarding any Bill, including the FCRA Bill, first of all, Amit Shah should come to Parliament and make a statement on the atrocities against the students of Delhi. This is our clear demand. Without a statement on that issue, we are not going to allow him to proceed with these matters,” Venugopal said.
The opposition's objections come amid uncertainty over several key legislations, with only four days remaining in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Bills related to women's reservation and delimitation, along with the proposed FCRA amendment, remain among the measures whose legislative fate is unclear.
None of these Bills was listed for consideration in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Congress and several of its major allies have maintained that they will oppose the Bills in Parliament, while some opposition parties have indicated a more flexible stance on the issues of women's reservation and delimitation.
With the Monsoon Session nearing its end, the government and opposition remain locked in a standoff over the legislative agenda. The proposed FCRA Bill has emerged as another potential flashpoint, setting the stage for further confrontation in Parliament.