New Delhi: In the run-up to the upcoming Kerala assembly elections, the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have emerged as a major election issue, with both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) asking the Union government to reconsider the Bill after the Christian community expressed their concerns and anger over the various provisions of the Bill.Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (March 29) wrote a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi calling for the latter’s intervention and demanding that the provisions in the amendment bill regarding takeover of assets be withdrawn.“The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, is a direct assault on the autonomy of civil society and minority institutions. By granting sweeping powers to seize assets over technicalities, the Union Govt is creating a tool for arbitrary control and intimidation. Wrote to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to withdraw these draconian provisions that threaten organisations serving the poor and marginalised. We must protect our constitutional values and ensure that the spirit of selfless service is not stifled by executive overreach,” Vijayan wrote on X on Monday (March 30), also sharing the letter written to Modi.The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, is a direct assault on the autonomy of civil society and minority institutions. By granting sweeping powers to seize assets over technicalities, the Union Govt is creating a tool for arbitrary control and intimidation.… pic.twitter.com/r8Dy6CQAsA— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) March 30, 2026Earlier, Kerala leader of the opposition V.D. Satheesan, had also written a letter to prime minister Modi, expressing concern over the proposed changes.“Of specific concern is the provision that enables the central government to assume control over the assets of organisations in cases where licences are delayed in renewal or not renewed. Minority institutions, which have historically played a significant role in education, healthcare and social service, are especially anxious about these developments,” Satheesan said in his letter to Modi, reported Press Trust of India.Satheesan warned that the changes could disproportionately impact such institutions, impose additional administrative burdens and hinder their ability to carry out essential community work.He urged the Union government to review the amendments to ensure that bona fide organisations are not adversely affected.Meanwhile, the Communist Part of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) state secretariat issued a statement and alleged that the Bill amounts to an “attack on minorities”, and flagged what it termed as stringent provisions targeting NGOs, trusts, societies and other institutions receiving foreign contributions.The CPI M) statement added that if an NGO’s licence is cancelled, its assets cannot be transferred or sold without prior approval of the central government. Moreover, the funds and assets of such organisations would be handed over to authorities appointed by the government.The statement added that given the fact if registration is not restored, such assets could be permanently taken over and used for “public purposes”, the provisions of the Bill could result in takeover of minority places of worship and educational institutions.“The powers granted to the Centre to cancel or renew licences and to take control of assets through designated authorities are unacceptable,” said the statement, reported PTI.The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes the creation of a “designated authority” to take provisional or permanent control of assets of NGOs whose FCRA licences are cancelled, surrendered or lapse. This includes powers to manage and dispose of such assets.It also introduces timelines for utilisation of funds, regulating assets during suspension, rationalising penalties and requiring prior approval of the central government for initiating investigations.Both the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) have already expressed concerns about the Bill.“With such funds, we have been able to build schools and hospitals in small villages. Instead of recognising these as service activities, portraying them as anti-national is saddening. This Bill could bring an end to several charitable works,” said Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of the Changanassery Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar, highlighting the fact that the Church has been receiving foreign funds for decades to support welfare activities.Amid the upcoming assembly elections, the anger of the Christian community has put the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the backfoot.Community leaders such as Orthodox Church head Baselios Marthoma Mathews have questioned the BJP’s intentions.“We wonder whether the BJP has a double standard on this issue. The Centre has to immediately withdraw the Bill. All churches accept foreign aid as per norms. Our three FCRA accounts have been blocked for one year. So far, they have not been renewed. The issue had been brought to the notice of BJP leaders, but we did not get any relief,” he said, reported Indian Express.