Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dismissed criticism surrounding the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), alleging that “false narratives” are being circulated by his opponents.
Addressing a BJP-led alliance rally in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the Prime Minister drew parallels between the current criticism and reactions to films such as The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files, and Dhurandhar, which he said were previously dismissed as untrue by detractors.
“Kerala Files ayii, toh bolne lag gaye jhoot hai, Kashmir Files ayi, toh bolne lag gaye jhoot hai, Dhurandhar film ayi, toh bolne lag gaye jhooth hai, whenever such issues arise, they are labelled as falsehoods. In a similar manner, misinformation is now being spread regarding the FCRA and the UCC,” Modi said, speaking in Hindi.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid efforts by the BJP to engage with Kerala’s Christian community, a significant electoral group in the state. Concerns have been raised by sections of the community over the proposed FCRA amendments, with opposition voiced by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
Citing examples from other regions, Modi pointed to Goa, where a form of the Uniform Civil Code has been in place for decades, and noted that similar apprehensions had been expressed in the past regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Highlighting the National Democratic Alliance’s governance record, he said that in the northeastern states—many of which have substantial Christian populations—the alliance has formed governments in six states and addressed long-pending developmental issues. He also referenced ongoing development initiatives in Goa.
Turning to state-level concerns, Modi criticised both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for what he described as inadequate attention to rural infrastructure in Kerala. He asserted that the central government has significantly increased development spending in the state, claiming it to be five times higher than allocations under previous Congress-led administrations.
“n the Northeast, with a significant Christian population, the NDA has formed governments in six states. We have delivered on work that was pending for decades. In Goa too, with a sizeable Christian community, we continue to serve and drive development,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also identified youth migration for employment as a major challenge facing Kerala, calling for sustained efforts to create local opportunities.
Kerala is scheduled to vote for its 140-member Legislative Assembly on April 9.
