Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Against FCRA Amendments

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed a special resolution opposing the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, urging the Union Government to withdraw it. The resolution was supported by all parties except the BJP, whose members staged a walkout.

• Resolution Introduction:

  • The motion was introduced by School Education Minister Rajmohan, who argued that the FCRA rules undermine the autonomy of charitable organizations and minority educational institutions.

  • He stressed that the law would disproportionately affect minority communities and demanded that the Union Government consult state governments before implementing such measures.

• Supportive Voices:

  • Minister A.M. Shajahan warned that orphanages and welfare homes would be severely impacted.

  • Minister Vanniyarasu accused the central government of targeting minorities, comparing the move to the CAA, which he said marginalized Muslims, and now FCRA, which he claimed was aimed at Christians.

  • DMK MLA S. Austin reiterated CM Stalin’s long-standing opposition, stating that the law could lead to confiscation of minority properties and strip NGOs of their rights.

  • CPI(M) MLA R. Sellaswamy and CPI MLA K. Marimuthu condemned the bill as a weapon to suppress NGOs, hospitals, and welfare organizations serving marginalized groups.

  • DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth acknowledged the need to prevent misuse of foreign funds but insisted that legitimate charitable work must not be obstructed.

  • MMK MLA M.H. Jawahirullah highlighted that foreign funds already flow through regulated bank accounts, making monitoring possible without blanket restrictions.

• Mixed Reactions:

  • AIADMK MLA Agri Krishnamoorthy welcomed the idea of regulating foreign funds but urged amendments to protect minority rights.

  • BJP MLA M. Bojarajan defended the bill, stating that it was necessary to prevent anti-national activities, and insisted that FCRA was essential.

• Outcome:

  • Following heated debate, the BJP staged a walkout.

  • A voice vote was conducted, and Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced that the resolution had been passed with overwhelming support.