Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 24 (IANS): Kerala all these years has steered clear of any controversy when it came to forced religious conversion, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here Wednesday.

Chandy was responding to a question on the reported conversion of 35 people from Christianity to Hinduism in two Kerala districts last Sunday.

"We have always steered clear of any such happenings and there has been no forceful conversions in our state. If anyone decides to convert, it's their decision. If there is a need for any government intervention, it would be done, but for that to happen, there has to be forceful conversion and it does not take place here," Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The peculiar situation in Kerala is that Hindu SC/ST people enjoy government reservations which are not open to Christian SC/ST people.

Popular Hindu Ezhava leader Velapally Natesan said there is no big deal in conversions that are taking place here as it has been happening from the time Tipu Sultan came to this area.