CHENNAI: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor C Joseph Vijay, on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, alleging that it would adversely impact minority-run welfare institutions.
In a statement, party general secretary N Anand said the proposed amendment appeared aimed at stifling and shutting down people-centric educational and medical institutions run by minorities, and called for its immediate withdrawal.
He highlighted the broader economic context, noting supply disruptions in petroleum products amid tensions in the Gulf regions, which, he said, have driven up the prices of essential commodities. "People are already reeling under severe financial stress. Restaurants, too, are facing an acute crisis due to the shortage of LPG cylinders, " Anand said, questioning the timing of the proposed legislation.
"At a time when no concrete steps are visible to address these pressing concerns, why is the Union government pushing a Bill that would further constrain institutions serving lakhs of people?" he asked.
Referring to developments in Parliament, Anand noted that Opposition members had united in protest in the Lok Sabha, stalling the passage of the Bill. "Despite this, the Centre's insistence on pushing the legislation raises serious questions that are now being asked by the public," he said.
He added that minority-run educational and healthcare institutions continue to benefit large sections of society. He reiterated the party's demand that the Centre immediately withdraw the amendment in the larger public interest.