Kathmandu— Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced on Saturday that the party will oppose the upcoming Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, a move that will be further coordinated during a meeting of opposition floor leaders scheduled for Monday. The announcement comes as the government prepares to introduce the legislation in the Lok Sabha during the final week of the monsoon session, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions.

Opposition Strategy and Unity

Speaking at a public meeting in Haldwani, Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, stated that the party intends to take a formal decision regarding its strategy following Monday's meeting. The move reflects a growing consensus among opposition parties, including the DMK and NCP(SP), who have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed changes to the 2010 Act.

DMK President MK Stalin has urged the Union Government to withdraw the Bill entirely and repeal Section 15 of the existing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. This sentiment follows a meeting between a delegation from the Joint Action Forum on Minorities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where religious leaders pressed for the Bill's withdrawal.

Regional Concerns and Political Mobilization

The legislative debate has already reached the state level, with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma meeting with Amit Shah to present regional concerns regarding the FCRA. While Shah reportedly assured that the new provisions would not be applied retrospectively, Lalduhoma noted that further paragraph-wise comments on the Bill are expected during parliamentary discussions starting on August 12.

In Uttarakhand, Kharge used his visit to Haldwani and Rudrapur to energize party workers ahead of next year's assembly elections. He criticized the BJP government for various issues, including recruitment examination irregularities and a police crackdown on protesting students in Delhi, while expressing confidence that the Congress party would form the next government in the state.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha during the final week of the current monsoon session.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.