February 11, 2025 – A report released by the US-based India Hate Lab (IHL) has raised alarm over the “staggering” rise in hate speech targeting Muslims and other religious minorities in India, with incidents increasing sharply by over 74 percent in 2024. The think tank, part of the Centre for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), attributes this surge to the ideological ambitions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the broader Hindu nationalist movement in the country. The report underscores how political rhetoric, particularly during the 2024 elections, has amplified such divisive speech, often targeting the Muslim community.
The report highlights a troubling rise in hate speech incidents, which surged from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024. This increase represents a staggering 74.4% jump, raising serious concerns among rights groups, critics, and civil society organizations about the growing hostility toward religious minorities in the country. According to IHL, 98.5 percent of the hate speech incidents specifically targeted Muslims, marking an alarming trend of religious polarization within the nation.
A significant portion of these incidents occurred in states governed by the BJP or its allies, with more than two-thirds of the hate speech incidents traced back to these regions. The report further revealed that more than 450 hate speeches were made by BJP leaders, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi being directly responsible for at least 63 of these instances.
The findings of the IHL’s report have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and political commentators, who argue that the growing hate speech is deeply tied to the political strategy of the BJP. Critics claim that the BJP, under the leadership of Modi, has increasingly utilized anti-Muslim rhetoric to galvanize the Hindu majority and create a narrative of religious division. This strategy, they argue, has played a role in amplifying societal tensions, further polarizing religious communities and exacerbating communal violence in various parts of the country.
The IHL report draws attention to the alarming consequences of this hate speech, warning that the rhetoric has led to real-world violence and social discord. The rise in hate speech, the report notes, not only fuels religious intolerance but also emboldens extremist groups, creating an atmosphere where marginalized communities feel increasingly unsafe.
The report further stresses the importance of addressing hate speech at all levels of governance. It calls on Indian authorities to take more decisive action in curbing the spread of hate speech, especially in light of its potential to escalate communal violence and social unrest. The IHL also emphasizes the need for stricter regulation of social media platforms and online spaces, where much of the hate speech has proliferated, as well as a more concerted effort to hold political leaders accountable for their words and actions.
As the country grapples with these alarming trends, many are questioning the role of political leadership in either enabling or curbing the spread of hate speech. The surge in incidents targeting Muslims and other minorities highlights the need for more robust measures to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the values of tolerance and diversity in India.
While the report has drawn widespread attention to the issue of hate speech, experts caution that immediate and meaningful action is needed to reverse this disturbing trend. As calls for accountability grow louder, the question remains whether Indian authorities will take steps to address the underlying factors contributing to this dangerous rise in hate speech and work toward a more inclusive society.
The IHL’s report adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests hate speech is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in India’s public discourse, prompting calls from both within and outside the country for stronger safeguards to protect minority rights and promote national unity.