Pawan Kalyan Backs Harish Salve’s FCRA Stand, Says Interview Clears 'Apprehensions' Over Bill

New Delhi: Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has backed senior advocate Harish Salve’s views on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, saying the former Solicitor General’s interview with Republic Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami could clear the apprehensions of those opposing the legislation.

Reacting to Republic’s interview, Pawan Kalyan said he believed Salve’s arguments would help address concerns surrounding the proposed FCRA changes. The actor-turned-politician shared his response after watching Arnab Goswami’s conversation with Salve on Republic.

“After watching this interview by Sri Arnab with Shri Harish Salve, Former Solicitor General of India on @republic channel, I have felt a lot of apprehensions will be cleared to anyone who is opposing FCRA Bill”, Kalyan said.

'Not Against One Particular Religion'

Kalyan particularly highlighted Salve’s personal religious background while making the case that the proposed legislation should not be viewed through a religious lens.

“Shri Harish Salve being a devout Christian says that, FCRA bill is not against one particular ‘religion or two’ but making foreign funded NGOs accountable and transparent in the interest of our country,” he said.

The remarks come amid a political debate over the FCRA Bill, with the proposed changes facing opposition from several quarters. The legislation has triggered arguments over foreign funding of NGOs, regulatory oversight and the balance between transparency and the functioning of civil society organisations.

Harish Salve’s Case For Tougher FCRA Scrutiny

In his conversation with Arnab, Salve made the case for tighter scrutiny of foreign-funded organisations, arguing that foreign donations cannot be treated as being without conditions or implications.

Salve stressed the need for greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of NGOs receiving foreign contributions, framing the issue as one of national interest rather than targeting any particular faith or community.

Pawan Kalyan’s endorsement adds political weight to Salve’s argument, particularly as the FCRA Bill remains a contentious issue in Parliament and beyond.

The Jana Sena chief’s remarks also underline his contention that the debate over the legislation should focus on transparency and accountability in foreign funding rather than allegations that the proposed law is aimed at a particular religious community. The direct reaction is from Pawan Kalyan’s own Facebook post, while Republic’s interview provides the context for his remarks.

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