A significant surge in instances of hate speech across India in 2024, particularly during the national elections, has been documented in a new report by the Washington-based India Hate Lab. The findings revealed a 74% increase from the previous year, with a total of 1,165 recorded instances, predominantly targeting the Muslim community.
Election Rhetoric and Political Accountability
The escalation of hate speech coincided with the heated atmosphere of the national elections, where rhetoric from political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, was frequently laced with divisive themes. The report indicates that 98.5% of these instances were directed against Muslims, showcasing a distressing trend of Islamophobia.
The majority of these events occurred in states under the governance of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its larger alliances, spotlighting the party’s significant role in the propagation of such speech. Despite this, the BJP has consistently denied allegations of fostering Islamophobia or engaging in hate speech. Jaiveer Shergill, a national spokesperson for the BJP, defended the party’s stance by emphasizing India’s robust legal framework designed to maintain peace and order and dismissed the report as driven by ‘anti-India’ sentiments.
Official Responses and International Concern
This increase in hate speech has not gone unnoticed on the international stage, with several human rights organizations expressing concerns over the safety and equality of minority communities in India. The situation reached a point where the Election Commission intervened, requesting the removal of a BJP social media post that was accused of demonizing Muslims.
In addition to Muslims, the Christian community in India also faced hate speech, albeit to a lesser degree, according to the report. This ongoing discrimination has been a point of contention since Modi’s government first came to power in 2014.
Geographical and Event Specific Data
The report further detailed that the highest number of hate speech instances occurred in May 2024, with 269 events, highlighting the intensity of the election period. It also noted that three BJP-ruled states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh—were responsible for nearly half of all recorded events.
Furthermore, the BJP was identified as the organizer of 340 hate speech events in 2024, marking a staggering 580% increase from the previous year. This points to a deeply troubling rise in organized events where hate speech was not only present but potentially encouraged.
Calls for Violence and Economic Boycotts
The nature of the hate speech documented also showed a shift towards more dangerous rhetoric. Political and religious leaders were recorded inciting violence, calling for the economic boycott of Muslim businesses, and even the destruction or seizure of Muslim properties and religious sites.
Looking Ahead
The findings of the India Hate Lab report serve as a critical reminder of the challenges facing India’s societal fabric. The documented rise in hate speech and its potential to incite violence demands a reevaluation of political discourse and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to pluralism and tolerance. As India continues on its path as a major global player, the resolution of these internal issues will be crucial in shaping its international image and domestic policy.