Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan slams Centre’s FCRA rule amendment

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan on Thursday criticised Centre's amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Rules, alleging that the changes were aimed at targeting minorities and restricting the functioning of voluntary organisations.

He demanded that the amendment be withdrawn immediately.In a statement, Satheesan said Centre unilaterally amended the FCRA Rules, a move he described as "highly objectionable." He alleged that the amended rules created a situation in which voluntary organisations across the country would find it difficult to function.Satheesan questioned whether the amendment was part of efforts by Sangh Parivar organisations to intensify what he termed a "campaign against minorities" across the country.He alleged that the rule changes were intended to eliminate voluntary organisations engaged in educational and social service activities in tribal areas of north India and the Northeastern states. He said the amendment would enable the govt to prohibit the activities of any organisation in the country at the instance of Sangh Parivar organisations.Satheesan urged the Centre to immediately withdraw what he described as amendments targeting minority communities. He also called upon the BJP's Kerala brass and Union ministers from the state to clarify their stand on the issue.