DELHI, India — On May 18, barely a week after India’s Congress party defeated the previous pro-Hindu government in national elections, Chief Minister Selvi J. Jayalalithaa of Tamil Nadu, in southern India, announced the repeal of the state’s anti-conversion law.
Observers say criticism from her political opponents and a steep drop in votes for her party were factors in the decision. Hindu nationalists have condemned her actions, but Christian leaders were unanimous in their support. Jayalalithaa’s move has also raised hopes that similar legislation may be dropped in four other Indian states.
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