Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: FCRA amendment Bill casts a shadow over BJP’s Christian outreach

With another State Assembly election around the corner, the Union government’s decision to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is posing a threat to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prospects of Christian outreach in Kerala.

During Palm Sunday services, various bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, one of the most influential communities in the State, expressed serious concern over the proposed amendment.

According to church authorities, many bishops and priests used the occasion of Palm Sunday to convey these concerns to the laity.

Fr. Thomas Tharayil, official spokesperson and deputy secretary general of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), told The Hindu that the new FCRA rules are a “fundamental violation” and “totally unethical.”

“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the apex body of the Catholic Church in the country, has already expressed deep concern over the Bill, and the stand of the Kerala Church is the same,” said Fr. Tharayil.

He further noted, “At present, the government has implemented proper guidelines for receiving and utilising FCRA funds. Without submitting proper data, one cannot receive these funds. This money is used for charitable and educational purposes in various parts of the country. Blocking these funds would negatively impact the functioning of such institutions. However, the amendment states that if an FCRA licence is not renewed, the government will take action. Our question is, who is responsible for the renewal process? This has raised serious alarm within the community.”

‘Threat to survival’

In a statement responding to the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, the CBCI described the legislation as a threat to the “operational survival” of minorities and civil society organisations. The CBCI said that it strongly objects to provisions that empower the Union government to deny licence renewals and subsequently assume control over the institutions, funds, and assets of minority organisations through a newly designated authority.

Meanwhile, as the State moves toward elections, the FCRA controversy is casting a shadow over the BJP’s ambitions to court the Christian community. The NDA has fielded a large number of candidates from the community in Christian-dominated constituencies such as Pala, Kanjirappally, Poonjar, and Thiruvalla. Despite a high-voltage campaign, the party now faces a challenge in securing the community’s support.

Speaking to the media, Union Minister and Kanjirappally NDA candidate George Kurian denied that the Bill contains harmful recommendations or would negatively affect institutions.

Conversely, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the amendment, while Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K. Mani also expressed grave concern.