Jayalalithaa woos Christians

KANYAKUMARI - In a bid to woo Christian voters, AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Thursday promised travel assistance to those who want to undertake pilgrimage to Israel, extension of reservation benefits to Dalit Christians and permission to Christians to build churches on their own lands.

Speaking at a Christmas function held here, around 630 km from state capital Chennai, Jayalalithaa said if her party was voted to power it would provide to Christians assistance to undertake pilgrimage to Israel — similar to what is provided to Haj pilgrims.

She said her government would permit land owners to build churches. She also promised action for extending reservation benefits to Dalit Christians.