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Government assured Christian leaders of no retrospective action as opposition seeks JPC scrutiny.

The last 15 sittings of the 2026 Monsoon Session were disrupted by uproar from opposition parties, forcing the passage of several bills without discussion. Regarding the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) Amendment Bill 2026, the Modi government expects to secure its passage in both Houses of Parliament between Monday and Wednesday. Consequently, Union Home Minister Shah held two meetings with stakeholders on Thursday concerning this bill.

The first meeting was held with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and leaders of the Christian community, who submitted a memorandum. Following this, Chief Minister Lalduhoma stated that discussions on the matter would take place on August 12 and 13, 2026. NGOs fear that if licenses are cancelled or not renewed, the government could take control of assets such as hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, Amit Shah held a second meeting with 16 prominent Christian community leaders, led by DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson.

They submitted a letter to the Home Minister demanding that the government withdraw the bill or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of Parliament, where detailed discussions with all stakeholders could take place. However, according to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured them that the law would not be implemented retrospectively and that no discrimination would occur. The move aims to bring transparency to foreign funding.

The government maintains that while these groups are stakeholders, the government is also a stakeholder with the responsibility to ensure that no injustice occurs and that funds are utilized appropriately. Meanwhile, the Congress party is set to issue a whip to its MPs for August 10, 11, and 12, 2026, and other parties may soon follow suit. In other words, both the ruling party and the opposition have geared up for issues ranging from the FCRA to the delimitation exercise and the Women’s Reservation Bill. As for the FCRA Amendment Bill, what is troubling the opposition is the provision to appoint a “designated authority” and vest it with powers. Meanwhile, the BJP—seeking to strengthen its political foothold in Kerala—does not wish to antagonise the Christian community, which receives funding from abroad.