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Washington: In a report that has heightened concerns among India’s Muslim population of over 220 million, a US-based think tank has documented a significant increase in hate speech targeting religious minorities in the country. This surge, which occurred in 2024, has been linked to the ideological goals of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the wider Hindu nationalist movement.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the India Hate Lab (IHL) highlighted the connection between the rise in hate speech and the political landscape influenced by the BJP. The report comes in the wake of India’s national elections last year, where critics accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party of intensifying anti-Muslim rhetoric to rally the Hindu majority.
During his campaign, Modi described Muslims as “infiltrators” and suggested that the opposition Congress party would prioritize Muslims in wealth distribution if victorious. Although Modi secured a third term in June, his party faced an unexpected challenge, leading to a coalition government due to the lack of an outright majority.
The IHL report recorded an increase in hate speech incidents from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, reflecting a 74.4 percent rise. It noted that the general election year significantly influenced these patterns, with 98.5 percent of incidents targeting Muslims, particularly in BJP-controlled states.
The report identified over 450 hate speeches from BJP leaders, with Modi responsible for 63 such incidents. The portrayal of Muslims as a threat to Hindus and India was a recurring theme. A notable increase was observed in speeches advocating for the destruction of Muslim places of worship, exacerbated by the construction of a temple on a site of historical religious tension.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X played a crucial role in spreading these messages. The IHL’s analysis revealed that 266 anti-minority speeches by senior BJP leaders were shared across these platforms, utilizing official party channels.
The India Hate Lab operates under the Washington-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate, a non-profit organization dedicated to analyzing and addressing organized hate movements.
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