Chennai: Union Law Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jana Krishnamurthy on October 12 said the Tamil Nadu government had promulgated the Ordinance on religious conversions as it had felt the need and any drawback could be discussed while the legislation was brought before the state Assembly.

"When the Bill to replace the ordinance (banning conversions by force or allurement) is taken up for discussion in the Assembly, drawbacks if any can be discussed and if necessary amendments can be brought forward," he told at the airport in Chennai on arrival from Delhi to attend a function this evening.

Just because some minority institutions opposed the measure, "The government cannot refrain from bringing in the legislation. Government has promulgated the ordinance since the Assembly is not in session," he said.

Replying to a question on Jammu and Kashmir elections, the BJP leader said 50 per cent electorate had cast their votes, which showed that the process was "free and fair".

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee had already said it was a victory for Democracy.

PTI