• Mou Mou
• 10 Feb, 2025

Hate speech targeting minorities in India surged by 74% in 2024 according to a Washington-based research group. The study highlights a significant increase in such incidents especially during last year's general elections.

Hate Speech Incidents Rise Sharply

The India Hate Lab documented 1,165 cases of hate speech in 2024 compared to 668 in 2023. These incidents took place at political rallies, religious gatherings and public events. The report suggests that India's general elections held between April and June 2024 played a crucial role in this spike.

Elections and Hate Speech Trends

The study found that nearly one-third of the reported cases occurred between March and June 2024 during the peak of election campaigning. The highest number of cases was recorded in May a key election month. The report also cited a speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April where he allegedly referred to Muslims as “Infiltrators” with “more children.”

Despite these concerns, Modi’s party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied allegations of promoting division stating that its policies benefit all citizens equally. 

Political and Regional Breakdown

According to the report 80% of the hate speech incidents were recorded in states governed by the BJP and its allies. The study’s author Raqib Hameed Naik a US-based journalist leads the Center for the Study of Organized Hate which runs the India Hate Lab project. However the BJP has dismissed the findings calling them biased. 

International Concerns and Human Rights Issues

The report comes ahead of a high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi. International human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have frequently criticized India’s treatment of minorities.

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Key concerns raised by activists include

- The 2019 citizenship law which the United Nations called “discriminatory.”

- Anti-conversion laws affecting religious freedom.

- The 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status.

- Demolitions of Muslim-owned properties under the guise of legal enforcement.

- The hijab ban in Karnataka schools implemented under BJP rule.

Definition of Hate Speech

India Hate Lab used the United Nation’s definition of hate speech which includes discriminatory language targeting individuals or groups based on religion, race, ethnicity or nationality. 

With election-related hate speech on the rise concerns about minority rights in India are growing globally. As India moves forward under Modi’s leadership, the challenge remains to balance free speech with inclusivity and protect all communities.