Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has called for a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly to pass a formal resolution opposing the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The party asserted that the state government must take the lead in resisting the legislation. Congress also urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma to spearhead the opposition to the proposed bill, rather than leaving the responsibility primarily to church organisations and their leaders.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, has now been listed for consideration and passage in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The proposed changes have triggered concern in Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, with apprehensions that minority institutions—particularly Christian organisations and NGOs—could be adversely affected.
Addressing the media, Congress general secretary Lalbiakzama welcomed the Chief Minister’s recent meeting with church leaders, where it was decided that a memorandum would be submitted to the Centre opposing the amendments. However, he stressed that the political leadership of the state must formally lead the opposition.
“Rather than using church leaders as a front, the Mizoram Government and our chief minister must take the lead to fulfil the demands of the people,” Lalbiakzama said.
The Congress also referred to its “Black Day” protest held on July 21 against the proposed amendments, alleging that the legislation is aimed at restricting the rights and functioning of Christian organisations.
The party demanded that the state government convene a special Assembly session without delay and adopt a resolution rejecting the proposed FCRA changes. It further called on the Chief Minister to lead an all-party delegation—including church representatives and civil society groups—to New Delhi to communicate Mizoram’s opposition to the Centre.
Additionally, the Congress appealed to the state’s Members of Parliament to actively oppose the bill during parliamentary debates and vote against it when it is taken up for passage.
Mizoram currently has one representative each in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, both belonging to the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM). The party maintains a neutral stance, aligning with neither the Congress-led INDIA bloc nor the BJP-led NDA.
The Congress alleged that the NDA government has increasingly relied on regulatory restrictions under FCRA provisions to obstruct foreign funding intended for Christian organisations and charitable institutions in the Northeast.
The opposition party also raised concerns over other proposed national-level measures, including moves related to the compulsory standing for or singing of “Vande Mataram” at official events—particularly regarding verses that praise Hindu deities. It argued that such measures could undermine the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Congress leaders noted that while “Vande Mataram” has historically been sung, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi had ensured that verses referring to Hindu goddesses were excluded in public contexts to maintain inclusivity.
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