Instances of hate speech against minorities in India soared by a staggering 74% in 2024, peaking during the national elections, a shocking revelation made by the India Hate Lab in a report released on Monday. The Washington-based research organization documented 1,165 incidents throughout the year, with a significant 98.5% of these directed at Muslims. Political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, emerged as frequent sources of hate-filled rhetoric, primarily in states governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Rights organizations have long accused the BJP of fueling anti-Muslim sentiments and fostering an environment where minorities feel increasingly marginalized. While the ruling party has adamantly denied these accusations, claiming to maintain peace and order through a robust legal framework, opponents have refuted these claims. They assert that the party's actions during its election campaigns illustrate a clear pattern of divisive language targeting both communities and individuals.
The report indicated that May alone saw a record 269 incidents, as tensions flared during the election cycle. Though Christians also faced some level of harassment, they were affected to a substantially lesser degree than Muslims. The analysis pinpointed political rallies, religious gatherings, and marches as hotspots for hate speech, with 79.9% of occurrences taking place under the aegis of BJP-led governments.
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh were identified as contributing to nearly half of the report's hate speech events, with the BJP itself organizing 340 instances in 2024—a remarkable increase of 580% from the previous year. The lab indicated a worrying escalation of not just hate speech but dangerous incitement from political leaders and religious figures, including calls for direct violence and economic boycotts against Muslim businesses.
This recent data shines a troubling light on the discourse shaping Indian society, with fears growing among minority communities about their safety and future in the country.
