BJP condemns Pope's 'comments' on conversion laws

Chennai, May 21: The BJP today condemned Pope Benedict XVI's reported criticism of the moves to pass laws banning conversions in India.

In a statement here, BJP Vice-President L Ganesan said the Pope, who is the head of a religion and a state, had no moral right to interfere with the internal affairs of another nation.

Taking strong exception to his 'attempts at teaching India on secularism,' Mr Ganesan wondered how such laws could affect the community and said such fears only aroused the doubt that conversions were being undertaken forcibly.

Forcible conversions and such remarks by the Pope could only lead to tension.

UNI