FCRA amendment: Centre ignoring concerns of minorities, alleges Kerala CM

Pinarayi Vijayan said it is the responsibility of a government to ensure unity among all sections of society and cautioned that such measures would not serve the larger interests of the country.

Alappuzha: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday accused the Centre of "ignoring" the concerns of minority communities over the FCRA amendment and alleged that the move was driven by "political motives".

Addressing a press conference here, he said the provisions in the amendment would adversely affect minorities and institutions run by them, warning that even failure to submit accounts could lead to attachment of their properties.

“The move has triggered grave concerns among minority communities. Several Church heads have already expressed apprehensions. However, the Union government is not considering these anxieties,” he alleged.

Vijayan said it is the responsibility of a government to ensure unity among all sections of society and cautioned that such measures would not serve the larger interests of the country.

“Unfortunately, the government in our country is adopting such a stand. The politics behind it should be understood properly,” he added.

He further alleged that the BJP-led Centre is influenced by the RSS, which, he claimed, has openly declared minorities as its adversaries.

The CM said the amendment reflects a disturbing trend, alleging that it is part of a political agenda aimed at controlling social activities and suppressing dissent.

He also demanded that the Centre immediately withdraw the amendment, saying it is against the spirit of democracy and social justice.