Kerala CM Satheesan urges rollback of FCRA amendments, alleges targeting of minorities
CM says revised FCRA rules will hamper voluntary organisations, particularly those engaged in education and social service, and asks BJP leaders in the state to clarify their position
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 25 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately withdraw the recent amendment to the FCRA rules, alleging that it was aimed at targeting minorities and curbing the functioning of voluntary organisations.
In a statement, Satheesan said the unilateral amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Rules had created a situation in which voluntary organisations would find it difficult to function in the country.
"The amendment raises suspicion that it is part of efforts by Sangh Parivar organisations to intensify the targeting of minorities across the country," he alleged.
The Chief Minister claimed that the amended rules would adversely affect voluntary organisations engaged in educational and social service activities in tribal areas of north India and the northeastern states.
He further alleged that the amendment would enable the government to ban the activities of any organisation in the country at the behest of Sangh Parivar organisations.
"The central government should immediately withdraw the amendment, which targets minority communities," Satheesan said.
He also called upon the BJP's Kerala leadership and Union ministers from the state to clarify their stand on the issue. PTI