New Delhi, April 6: Senior Congress leader and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, K.C. Venugopal, has launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter regarding the FCRA amendment bill. He described the bill as a calculated conspiracy against the Christian community and other service-oriented organizations.
In his letter, Venugopal expressed that the Prime Minister’s accusation against the UDF of spreading falsehoods about the FCRA in Kerala was highly objectionable and disrespectful to the entire community. He noted that making such comments on a sacred day was particularly unfortunate.
Venugopal posed five critical questions to the Prime Minister. He asked whether there was any consultation in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) before presenting the FCRA bill in the House. Did the BAC discuss or schedule time for deliberation on this bill? If not, what urgent situation necessitated the government to hastily present the bill, violating all parliamentary traditions and procedures?
He also questioned why the government did not respond to the substantial objections raised by Congress MP Manish Tewari regarding the bill. Venugopal claimed that this bill infringes on constitutional rights and looms over service-oriented organizations like a “sword of Damocles.” In another query, he asked if the government intentionally introduced the bill during the assembly elections in five states when major opposition MPs were preoccupied with their electoral campaigns. The bill was presented just a day before the session was adjourned.
The sharpest question posed by Venugopal was why the government withdrew the bill if it was introduced with good intentions. Is this not the greatest evidence of a “guilty conscience”?
In his letter, K.C. Venugopal stated that the far-reaching adverse effects of these amendments are unacceptable under any circumstances. He demanded that the government make a clear promise to the public that no such bill or any steps attacking social-community organizations would be taken in the future.
This letter is part of the growing opposition from the Kerala Congress against the Prime Minister regarding the FCRA bill. The Congress party alleges that the central government is attempting to increase control over Christian institutions and other non-governmental organizations.
Venugopal urged the Prime Minister to provide immediate clarification on this matter and to alleviate the fears and concerns of the Christian community and other service organizations.
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