Cong targets government, says attempt to divert attention from people’s issues by canceling FCRA licences for RGF, RGCT

A Congress statement on Sunday condemned the Narendra Modi government for canceling the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) and Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT), claiming that it was intended to defame and divert public attention away from issues of daily concern for the general public.

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, attributed the move to the “success” of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, while the Congress attributed it to Modi’s political malice. According to the Congress, the allegations against the two organizations are “recycled old charges”.

The Congress stated that the activities of the RGF and RGCT are completely open and transparent and that the two organizations will respond to the charges thrown at them and take whatever legal action they deem necessary.

The Indian economy is in deep crisis as a result of spiraling prices, soaring unemployment, and a falling rupee. A large number of people have expressed their support for the Bharat Jodo Yatra. There is no doubt that people are tired of the politics of hate and division. In a statement, Jairam Ramesh, AICC general secretary responsible for communications, asked: “What is the response of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister?”

“During the Deepavali weekend, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, cancelled the FCRA registrations of both the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust. It appears that they are recycling old charges against the RGF and RGCT. In order to defame and divert the public’s attention from issues of daily concern to them, he stated.

According to him, the trusts have always been charitable in nature and have complied with all laws and regulations.

All statutory requirements regarding audits, program activities, financial disclosures, and filing of returns have been strictly followed by the Trusts every year. “Anyone who understands the nature of the present dispensation should be able to discern the reasons for the cancellation of the FCRA registration,” Ramesh stated.

There is no doubt that the RGF and RGCT will respond to the accusations leveled against them and take whatever legal action they deem necessary. They conduct their activities in a completely open and transparent manner. They have performed a yeoman service to the public. According to him, Congress will not be intimidated or deterred from continuing with the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Gehlot characterized the decision as evidence of the political malice of the Modi government. By engaging in such misadventures, the government exposes itself to the public.

Once again, the Narendra Modi Government has attempted to defame the Gandhi family by attacking these organizations for political purposes. Modi’s government can make every effort, but it cannot prevent the Gandhi family from serving the people,” he stated.

Considering that the people are aware of the RGF’s establishment in 1991, Ramesh noted that Rajiv Gandhi, who stood for sadbhavana, both among Indians and with other nations, as well as inclusive and sustainable development of India through science and technology, including information technology and telecommunications, was assassinated in 1991. The empowerment of women and youth, the development of local self-government at the panchayat, district, and municipal levels, and the relief of those affected by natural disasters, floods, droughts, violence, and those with disabilities.

The RGF has worked to promote these ideas through development programs throughout India since its inception. “These trusts have benefited thousands of people, including children, youth, women, and the disabled,” Ramesh stated.

Through its development initiatives, the RGCT focuses on the poorest areas of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan in northern India. As a professionally managed, not-for-profit institution, RGCT was established in 2002 to fulfill Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive India. Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana was initiated by the trust in 2002 for the purpose of empowering women economically and socially in Uttar Pradesh. As a result of the programme, more than 20 lakh poor households in the state could gain social empowerment through a ‘group-based’ process. Approximately 40 lakh patients have been treated at the Indira Gandhi Eye Hospital and Research Centre, and over 4.5 lakh sight-restoring procedures have been performed,” he stated.