The Left-led LDF and Congress-led UDF, already cautious about BJP’s overtures to the Christian community through engagement with Church heads and Christian households, were quick to allege both in Kerala and in Parliament that the bill is designed to target the Churches and their charitable activities. It is known that a section of Kerala Christians has been warming up to BJP amid resentment within the community against the activities of certain Muslim outfits. Sections of the Christian establishment have also traditionally maintained ties with the Delhi durbar.
FCRA row comes at a time when BJP has fielded several prominent Christian faces as candidates in this belt, hoping to combine its traditional vote base with the influence of these candidates within the Christian community and local areas. These include Kerala Congress-turned BJP candidate in Poonjar PC George, his son Shone George in Pala, Union minister George Kurian in Kanjirappally and Anoop Antony in Thiruvalla. The prospect of the Centre not pushing the bill through in the budget session is being seen as a move to negotiate with the Christian establishment and help these BJP candidates navigate the situation.
For the Church, the demand for withdrawal of FCRA bill stems from concerns that it could restrict or even target missionary activities across various sectors.
Speaking to ET, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvalla, Thomas Mar Koorilos, said, “The intention of the FCRA bill is questionable as it appears to be designed to target many charitable works by the Church among the poorest sections using legitimate foreign funds. If the provisions of the bill are used to stop these activities, the poor will be the worst affected. Moreover, there has never been any instance of the Church or the community indulging in anti-national activities through such charitable work. There are already well-defined norms for foreign funding and its cancellation. Therefore, we want the central government to clearly spell out its real intention.”
Jose K Mani, leader of Kerala Congress (M), whose core support base lies among Christians, alleged that the bill is designed to target and potentially take over Church properties. “The bill has exposed the real intention of BJP. It is an attempt to curb the charitable work of the Church, for which many Christian priests and nuns have worked hard abroad and raised funds. Since the power to cancel or not renew FCRA licences rests with the Centre, it can be misused to take over Church assets whose licenses are not renewed or are cancelled. The bill should be withdrawn,” Mani told ET.
Both chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan have written to the PM opposing the bill.
BJP leaders, including state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Kurian, denied any attempt to target Churches. They argued that FCRA provisions apply to a wide range of organisations, including those run by Hindu religious groups, and said the legislation is intended to ensure transparency and accountability. They also accused LDF and UDF of creating misunderstandings.
