Rising Hate Speech Against Religious Minorities in India: A Growing Concern
Introduction to the Issue
India, a nation known for its diversity and constitutional commitment to secularism, has witnessed a disturbing surge in hate speech targeting religious minorities over the past year. A report by the Washington-based research group, India Hate Lab, reveals that incidents of hate speech against Muslims and Christians increased from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, marking a 74% rise. This concerning trend highlights the growing marginalization of minority communities in a country governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the BJP claims to uphold equality for all, critics argue that the party’s rhetoric and policies have increasingly aligned with a Hindu-first agenda, contributing to the erosion of religious harmony.
The Role of the BJP and Leadership in Inciting Hate
The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has been accused of fueling religious tensions and inciting violence against minorities. Despite the party’s denials of discrimination, the report indicates that BJP leaders, including Modi himself, have made speeches that reinforce harmful stereotypes, portraying Muslims and Christians as "outsiders," "foreigners," and "invaders." Such rhetoric has historically been used to justify discrimination and violence against minority groups. The study found that the BJP organized approximately 30% of the hate speech events in 2024, a six-fold increase from the previous year, with a significant spike during the general election campaign. This suggests that political campaigns are being increasingly utilized as platforms to spread divisive ideologies, further entrenching communal divisions.
The Targeting of Muslims and the Erosion of Their Rights
Muslims, who constitute around 200 million of India’s 1.4 billion population, have borne the brunt of the rise in hate speech and associated violence. The report highlights that 98% of hate speech incidents targeted Muslims, either explicitly or alongside Christians. This systematic targeting has been accompanied by policy decisions that disproportionately affect Muslim communities. For instance, the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special autonomy in 2019 and the introduction of a citizenship law that excludes Muslim migrants have been seen as blatant attempts to marginalize Muslims. Additionally, the rewriting of textbooks to downplay the contributions of Islamic rulers and the renaming of cities and streets with Mughal-era names reflect a broader effort to erase Muslim heritage from India’s historical narrative.
The Failure of Judicial and Legal Systems to Address Hate Speech
Despite India’s legal framework prohibiting hate speech under various sections of its penal code, the proliferation of such rhetoric persists. Experts point to the judiciary’s reluctance to enforce these laws effectively, allowing hate speech to thrive with impunity. Anas Tanwir, a lawyer and founder of the Indian Civil Liberties Union, notes that the judiciary has failed to take concrete actions against hate speech, despite clear legal prohibitions. This judicial inaction has emboldened perpetrators, contributing to the normalisation of hate speech in public discourse. The lack of accountability for those in positions of power who engage in or condone such rhetoric further exacerbates the problem, creating an environment where religious minorities feel increasingly unsafe and excluded.
The Response from the BJP and Its Implications
The BJP has vehemently denied the findings of the report, with its national spokesperson, Jaiveer Shergill, dismissing it as an attempt to malign India’s image. Shergill emphasized India’s strong legal system and commitment to maintaining peace and order. However, such responses overlook the mounting evidence of systemic discrimination and violence against minorities. The BJP’s dismissal of critical reports not only undermines efforts to address the issue but also signals to its supporters that such behaviour is acceptable. This response further entrenches the divide between the ruling party and minority communities, making meaningful dialogue and reconciliation increasingly challenging.
Conclusion and the Way Forward
The surge in hate speech in India, particularly targeting Muslims and Christians, is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The BJP’s complicity in perpetuating divisive rhetoric and the judiciary’s failure to enforce existing laws contribute to an environment where religious minorities are increasingly vulnerable to discrimination and violence. To address this crisis, India must take a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening legal enforcement, promoting inclusivity in public discourse, and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their faith, are treated with dignity and respect. The international community must also hold India accountable for upholding its commitment to secularism and protecting the rights of all its citizens. Only through such measures can India hope to restore its image as a beacon of diversity and inclusion.
