Opposition Members of Parliament on Wednesday staged a protest at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, demanding the withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Several opposition leaders raised concerns over the proposed amendments, alleging that the legislation could adversely affect non-governmental organisations and minority communities across the country. Congress MP Hibi Eden termed the Bill a “draconian law” and said it would hamper the functioning of NGOs.
“It is a draconian law which will hamper the interests of not just the minorities but many NGOs running in India… We will strongly condemn and object, and demand withdrawal of this bill,” Eden said.
Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said the decision should be impartial and beneficial to all sections of society, adding that it should not be selective. Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran alleged that the Bill reflected a broader agenda affecting minority rights.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with a focus on enhancing transparency and accountability in foreign funding.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to move the Bill for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the Opposition’s claims, stating that misinformation was being spread about the proposed amendments. He said the Bill was not targeted at any religion or organisation and was intended to regulate foreign contributions in the national interest.
Rijiju also accused opposition parties of misleading people in Kerala in the context of upcoming elections. He reiterated that the amendments aim to ensure proper utilisation of foreign funds and prevent misuse.
Amid the protest and ensuing uproar, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned till noon.
Separately, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move a statutory resolution approving a notification imposing a Special Additional Excise Duty of ₹50 per litre on Aviation Turbine Fuel. The move comes amid rising global crude oil prices and increasing operational costs in the aviation sector.
The House is also expected to take up reports of the Public Accounts Committee for the fiscal year 2025–26, covering issues including excess expenditure, railway safety, and tax collections.
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