India's Congress issues three‑line whip for MPs ahead of FCRA bill debate

The Indian National Congress on Friday issued a three‑line whip to its members in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, directing them to be present in Parliament on 10, 11 and 12 August. The whip, described as “very important”, was also communicated to allies in the INDIA bloc.

The directive comes as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA) is expected to be introduced and debated during the monsoon session’s final week, alongside a Constitution Amendment Bill concerning delimitation and women’s reservation. Opposition leaders, including chief whip Jairam Ramesh, have warned against rushing the FCRA changes and have called for a joint parliamentary committee review. They also seek a parliamentary statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action of 20 July.

The ruling NDA coalition has similarly instructed its MPs to attend, signalling a heightened confrontation between government and opposition as the session draws to a close.