Kannur (Kerala): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reiterated that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has not implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state, and raised concerns over the enforcement of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

Speaking in Kannur, Vijayan said the state had adhered to its earlier position on the CAA. "The LDF government has upheld its promise of not implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state," he said.

CAA stance reiterated, concerns over enforcement

Vijayan underlined the government’s position as part of its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights. He also criticised the manner in which the FCRA is being enforced, pointing to strict compliance requirements.

"It is being implemented in a hasty manner, where even minor delays in submitting accounts lead to strict action. Charitable activities are being viewed with suspicion under the law," he said.

Call to withdraw FCRA, criticism of Centre

The Chief Minister further criticised the evolution of the law, attributing its origins to the Congress and subsequent strengthening to the BJP-led government at the Centre.

"While the Congress initially introduced the law, the BJP has further strengthened and intensified it. I demand that FCRA be withdrawn," he said, referring to difficulties faced by non-profit organisations and voluntary institutions in Kerala.

Rijiju counters, says only illegal accounts affected

Amid Vijayan’s criticism of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded on Friday, stating that minorities are receiving greater attention under the Government of India.

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said, "I am the Minority Affairs Minister. Before PM Modi became the prime minister, the minorities in the country were being ignored. Congress used to treat the minorities, particularly the Muslim community, as its vote bank. The micro minorities are also being given due importance under our govt. I want to tell the Muslim community that Congress is treating their community as a vote bank, which is harmful for Muslims. Why should they become a vote bank of one party? We are for everybody. Only the illegal FCRA accounts will be affected."