Shillong: The federal government will open talks on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, once a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee wraps up its review. Christian groups and opposition parties previously forced the bill into committee following protests in Parliament. BJP leader Alexander L. Hek met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the pushback. Shah confirmed he previously met with 35 Christian forums and leaders to address the concerns. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he will invite us to Delhi for further discussions with Christian stakeholders after the JPC process is completed," Hek said.
Congress is prepping an aggressive campaign for the upcoming Shillong parliamentary by-election. Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H. Pala claims the government plans to target NGOs and charities through the new rules. The legislation reportedly allows the state to seize property if groups fail to renew their approvals. Congress also intends to challenge the government on local youth unemployment and state economic data. Pala expressed skepticism over claims of state growth, noting figures vary wildly between 7.8% and 2.6%. He also accused the BJP of political manipulation regarding MLA counts.
The Shillong seat remains vacant following the death of Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon from the Voice of the People Party. The by-election should occur in November. Officials are finishing a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls before voting begins.
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