In 2024, hate speech incidents against minorities in India soared by 74%, peaking during national elections, according to a recent report by the Washington-based India Hate Lab. The study revealed 1,165 documented cases, with Muslims comprising a staggering 98.5% of the targets. Prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, were noted as frequent offenders in promoting hate speech.
The report highlighted that the majority of occurrences took place in states governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Critics accused the ruling party of systematically targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, a claim the BJP has consistently denied. Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill dismissed the allegations as unfounded and part of an "anti-India reports industry."
Throughout the heated election campaign, Modi faced accusations of divisive rhetoric aimed at Muslims. In May, India's Election Commission even instructed the BJP to remove a controversial social media post that was perceived as "demonizing Muslims."
The report indicated that May 2024 saw the highest number of incidents, totaling 269. While Christians experienced instances of hate speech, it remained far less prevalent than the attacks on Muslims. The India Hate Lab noted that most hate speech events—specifically at political rallies, protests, and cultural gatherings—occurred in BJP-ruled states, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh alone accounting for nearly half of the recorded incidents.
The analysis pointed out that hate speech in 2024 had significantly escalated, with public calls for violence against Muslims becoming alarmingly common. This included appeals for economic boycotts of Muslim businesses and threats towards Muslim religious properties. As the landscape of India's political and social climate intensifies, concerns over rising Islamophobia and the impact on minority rights remain critical discussions.
The report highlighted that the majority of occurrences took place in states governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Critics accused the ruling party of systematically targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, a claim the BJP has consistently denied. Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill dismissed the allegations as unfounded and part of an "anti-India reports industry."
Throughout the heated election campaign, Modi faced accusations of divisive rhetoric aimed at Muslims. In May, India's Election Commission even instructed the BJP to remove a controversial social media post that was perceived as "demonizing Muslims."
The report indicated that May 2024 saw the highest number of incidents, totaling 269. While Christians experienced instances of hate speech, it remained far less prevalent than the attacks on Muslims. The India Hate Lab noted that most hate speech events—specifically at political rallies, protests, and cultural gatherings—occurred in BJP-ruled states, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh alone accounting for nearly half of the recorded incidents.
The analysis pointed out that hate speech in 2024 had significantly escalated, with public calls for violence against Muslims becoming alarmingly common. This included appeals for economic boycotts of Muslim businesses and threats towards Muslim religious properties. As the landscape of India's political and social climate intensifies, concerns over rising Islamophobia and the impact on minority rights remain critical discussions.
