Maybe because he wants people to be free to convert, regardless of legal standing?
What does this "legal standing" amount to, anyway? Is it that in some countries (Italy? or Russia?), you can't vote, or hold office, or get a passport, or immigrate, or emigrate, or teach in a public school or something, if you don't have the "right" religious credentials?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the U.S. Census doesn't list religious affiliation, does it? And if they do in other countries, then --- as I said --- for what purpose?
"Maybe because he wants people to be free to convert, regardless of legal standing?"
In India they would still be free to convert even with the anti-conversion laws enforced. The laws are meant to stop organized proselytization activity.
"What does this "legal standing" amount to, anyway? Is it that in some countries (Italy? or Russia?), you can't vote, or hold office, or get a passport, or immigrate, or emigrate, or teach in a public school or something, if you don't have the "right" religious credentials?"
It may not personally affect anyone so much especially the economically influencial Indians but morally it still amounts to unequal treatment. That you can deny. Just because you are not an Hindu and you are not sensitive to such issues that does not mean Hindus too will have none.