Anti-Muslim hate speech in India surged by 74% in 2024, largely fueled by divisive rhetoric during the national election period, according to a report by Washington-based India Hate Lab.
India Hate Lab documented 1,165 incidents of hate speech in 2024, a significant rise from 668 incidents the previous year. The report revealed that political rallies, religious processions, protest marches, and cultural events were common platforms for spreading hate.
The research organization used the United Nations’ definition of hate speech, referring to language that incites hatred or discrimination based on religion, race, nationality, ethnicity, or gender.
The report linked the increase to India’s general elections, held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, 2024. The political competition during the election period saw a surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric as parties and leaders employed divisive strategies to secure voter support.
India Hate Lab found that one-third of the anti-Muslim hate speech incidents occurred between March 16 and June 1, the peak election campaign period. May witnessed the highest number of such incidents.
The report cited a controversial remark by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who labeled Muslims as “intruders” and accused them of “having more children.” Modi, who won a third consecutive term, denied allegations of stoking division. However, his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), failed to secure an outright majority and had to rely on coalition partners to form the government.
According to India Hate Lab, 80% of anti-Muslim hate speech incidents in 2024 occurred in states governed by BJP and its allies.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have accused the Modi administration of discriminatory practices against minorities. They highlighted the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act, termed “fundamentally discriminatory” by the United Nations, as well as anti-conversion laws and the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
Activists also pointed out the demolition of Muslim-owned properties, labeled as illegal constructions by the government, and the ban on hijabs in Karnataka’s schools, enforced under the BJP’s rule.
The report was published just days before a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on the report.
Liberty News’ international correspondent states that India Hate Lab, a project of the Washington-based nonprofit Center for the Study of Organized Hate, was founded by U.S.-based Kashmiri journalist Rakib Hameed Naik. The BJP, however, dismissed the report as biased, claiming it misrepresents India’s situation.
LND/BAIZID
