Governance – Akhilesh Yadav Questions Centre Over Foreign Funding Bill Motives
Governance – Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday raised sharp concerns over the Centre’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, questioning both its intent and its broader implications. He described the proposed legislation as problematic and sought clarity on several financial matters linked to the ruling party.
Concerns Over Proposed Legislative Changes
The amendment bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, aims to revise the existing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The government has stated that the changes are intended to improve transparency and accountability in the handling of foreign funds within the country. However, Yadav argued that the move appears selective and politically motivated.
He suggested that before implementing stricter controls on non-governmental organisations, the government should address concerns regarding its own financial channels. According to him, the proposed law risks being seen as an attempt to tighten control over independent institutions rather than genuinely improve financial oversight.
Questions on PM CARES Fund and Electoral Bonds
Yadav specifically questioned the handling of foreign contributions received through the PM CARES Fund. He asked whether funds that came from overseas sources would be returned or treated under special exemptions. His remarks also extended to electoral bonds, a political funding mechanism that has faced scrutiny.
He pointed out that if electoral bonds have been declared unlawful, then the legitimacy of funds collected through them must also be examined. In his view, any inconsistency in addressing such financial issues undermines the credibility of broader regulatory efforts.
Allegations Regarding NGO Funding and Accountability
The Samajwadi Party leader also raised concerns about financial activities linked to certain organisations. He questioned the flow of money into unregistered entities and religious groups, suggesting that there should be greater accountability for funds collected under charitable or public causes.
He called for a thorough review of financial records and, where necessary, recovery of funds from individuals associated with organisations found to have misused contributions. According to him, transparency must be applied uniformly across all sectors, including those aligned with political interests.
Criticism of Government’s Approach to NGOs
Yadav criticised what he described as an increasingly restrictive approach towards non-governmental organisations. He argued that the government’s stance reflects a desire to centralise control and limit the independence of civil society groups.
He further claimed that some NGOs have delivered effective results in areas where government performance has been questioned. This, he suggested, may be a reason behind efforts to regulate them more tightly. In his view, genuine organisations working for public welfare should be supported rather than constrained.
Concerns Over Illegal Financial Outflows
In addition to domestic funding issues, Yadav also raised the matter of illegal financial transfers abroad. He questioned whether adequate action has been taken against individuals accused of moving large sums of money out of the country unlawfully.
He argued that while legal foreign contributions are being scrutinised, alleged cases of illegal wealth transfers involving influential individuals should also be addressed with equal seriousness. Failing to do so, he said, could create an imbalance in how financial regulations are enforced.
Legislative Debate Expected in Parliament
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, is scheduled for discussion in the Lok Sabha. The proposed changes are expected to generate significant debate among lawmakers, with differing views on the balance between regulation and institutional independence.
As discussions unfold, the bill is likely to remain a focal point in the ongoing conversation around political funding, transparency, and the role of civil society in India’s governance framework.