#TamilNaduPolls2026 : BJP-led union government, which holds the foreign policy in its hands, has failed to protect our fishermen. It has also failed in the foreign policy – M K Stalin, Chief Minister Tamil Nadu

Picture : ANI/x

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has  termed the Centre’s proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 as “draconian”, and alleged it targeted minorities, especially Christian service organisations and demanded that it be dropped.

According to PTI, Addressing a rally for the April 23 Assembly polls, Stalin, recalling that his government had increased the fishing ban period special relief assistance to Rs 8,000 from Rs 5,000 said, “hereafter the assistance will be Rs 12,000 per month and not Rs 8,000.” Similarly, the fishing lean period assistance will be Rs 9,000 per month and not Rs 6,000. “Are you all happy.”

Referring to other ongoing welfare schemes, he made new assurances. The upper age-limit to enroll as member of the Fishermen Welfadracoire Board will be enhanced to 70 from 65 and the members will be provided monthly pension to those aged between 70 and 75 in addition to existing welfare measures.

The chief minister said the Dravidian model government he is leading has been acting as a true friend and a close companion to the fishermen.

“However, the BJP-led union government, which holds the foreign policy in its hands, has failed to protect our fishermen. It has also failed in the foreign policy. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has created a situation where India has no influence even over its small neighboring countries,” Stalin alleged.

It was regrettable that the BJP government does not regard Tamil Nadu fishermen as Indian fishermen and the consequence of this was the continuous attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy on fishermen, he claimed.

When fishermen were attacked during the Congress regime at the Centre, Modi accused the then PM Manmohan Singh as “weak” and said such incidents would not have happened if a strong PM was at the helm.

“Is it happening now or not. It is indeed happening. Now, will Modi accept that he is a weak Prime Minister. Or will he not accept it. This was not the only question and there were more including the Madurai AIIMS project which is in the ‘ongoing’ mode for about a decade. There are no answers, only questions.” the CM said.

Stalin alleged that the FCRA Amendment Bill was “draconian”, and it targeted minorities, especially the Christian organisations.

Across the country, Christians are enraged due to the proposed amendment, which if passed, would lead to cancellation of the recognition of the beneficiary-recipient-institution and funds can be taken away even for minor lapses such as delay in submitting proof.