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Rijiju Defends Andhra Bill Priority, Says FCRA Delay Not Political

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government's decision to prioritize the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill over the FCRA amendment, calling it an urgent matter. He dismissed opposition allegations that the FCRA bill's postponement was due to political pressure, particularly concerning Kerala elections. Rijiju accused the Congress and CPI(M) of spreading misinformation about the FCRA bill, which aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds. The Opposition, however, rejects the bill, alleging it centralizes control and targets minorities and NGOs.

Key Points: Rijiju: Andhra Bill Urgent, FCRA Delay Not Political

  • Govt prioritised urgent Andhra capital bill
  • FCRA bill delay not politically motivated
  • Opposition accused of misleading on FCRA
  • Bill aims to regulate foreign contributions for security
2 min read

"Andhra Pradesh bill was urgent": Kiren Rijiju says govt holding back FCRA bill "not political issue"

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies the govt's legislative priorities, stating the Andhra capital bill was urgent while dismissing political motives behind FCRA bill delay.

"This is not a political issue... The bill relating to Andhra Pradesh was taken up today as it was an urgent matter. - Kiren Rijiju"

New Delhi, April 1

Union Parliamentary Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the government did not take up the Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill, 2026, for passage in the Lok Sabha due to political pressure.

Rijiju reasoned that many bills are taken up for consideration after seeing the situation.

He also stated that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, was "urgent" so it was taken up in the Lok Sabha today.

"This is not a political issue. Many bills have been introduced, but they are taken up for consideration seeing the situation. The bill relating to Andhra Pradesh was taken up today as it was an urgent matter. Don't go by what the Opposition alleges, but according to reality. We always follow the rules," he said.

The FCRA bill was listed for debate and passage in Lok Sabha, but the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the House that it would not be taken up and accused Congress and CPI (M) of "misleading" the people

Speaking at the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said, "Kerala MPs are under a serious misunderstanding. The FCRA Amendment Bill was introduced earlier, which is why it has come up now. I had informed senior Congress leaders yesterday and again today that the FCRA would not be taken up for consideration today. There is indeed misinformation being spread about the FCRA."

"The amendment is aimed at regulating foreign contributions, ensuring proper utilisation in the national interest and national security, and preventing misuse of funds. It is not against any religion or organisation. Congress and the Communist Party are misleading the people of Kerala in view of the elections. They should not mislead the House or the people of Kerala for the sake of elections," he said.

The FCRA Bill, 2026, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25 and seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India.

However, the Opposition has strongly rejected it, accusing the Centre of attempting to centralise control over institutions and affect minorities and NGOs across the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the Andhra bill's urgency is understood, the timing of delaying the FCRA bill does raise questions. It's a sensitive topic, especially before elections. The government should be more transparent about the "situation" they are seeing. 🤔
A
Aman W
FCRA amendments are necessary. We've seen how foreign funds can be misused to create unrest. National security should be the top priority. If the bill is good, bring it whenever ready, don't buckle under pressure.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with an NGO, I'm concerned. Every time FCRA is amended, compliance becomes a nightmare for genuine organizations doing good work. The intent might be right, but the execution often hurts the wrong people.
K
Karthik V
Rijiju is right. The opposition will cry foul no matter what. If the bill was taken up, they'd say it's being rushed. Now that it's delayed, they say it's political. The Andhra capital issue needed closure, that was more urgent for sure.
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Nisha Z
The way everything gets connected to elections is tiresome. Can't a decision be just administrative? Hope the FCRA bill, when it comes, is debated properly on merit and not just for political one-upmanship. 🇮🇳

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