New Delhi: A new study has revealed a sharp rise in hate speech targeting minorities in India. The research, conducted by the Washington DC-based India Hate Lab, recorded 1,165 instances in 2024. This marks a 74.4% increase from the previous year.
Key Findings The report, titled Social Media and Hate Speech in India, highlights that 98.5% of the recorded hate speeches targeted Muslims, either alone or alongside Christians.
Six out of ten of the most frequent speakers of hate speech were politicians. Among them were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Adityanath delivered 86 hate speeches, making up 7.4% of the total incidents. Modi was responsible for 67, or 5.7%, of all hate speeches in 2024.
Political and Regional Trends The study found that BJP-ruled states accounted for nearly 80% of these hate speech events. The highest numbers were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
The BJP itself organized 340 events linked to hate speech. Many of these occurred during the general elections from March to June and critical state elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. This marks a 580% rise from 2023.
Opposition-ruled states, by contrast, recorded only 234 hate speech events, accounting for 20% of the total. The report suggests that political control plays a significant role in the prevalence of hate speech.
Role of Social Media The study also examined how social media platforms contribute to the spread of hate speech. It found that many speeches delivered at political rallies and religious events were amplified online, reaching a wider audience. Social media companies have been criticized for their failure to curb the spread of such content.
Expert Opinion Raqib Hameed Naik, executive director of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, stated that hate speech has become a regular part of Indian politics.
“It is no longer just a tool for polarization but a standard feature in political culture, elections, and social life,” he said.
Human rights activists have expressed concern over the increasing normalization of hate speech. They argue that stronger legal measures are needed to curb inflammatory rhetoric and prevent violence.
Human Rights Watch Report Another report from Human Rights Watch also pointed out Modi’s role in spreading Islamophobia. It recorded at least 110 instances where he made anti-Muslim remarks during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
The report also highlighted a speech on April 21 in Rajasthan, where Modi called Muslims “infiltrators” and accused them of having “more children.”
Global Reactions International organizations, including the United Nations, have raised concerns over the increasing hate speech in India. Several global human rights groups have urged the Indian government to take stronger action to address communal violence and discrimination.
Diplomatic circles have also taken note of the rise in hate speech. Some countries have expressed concerns about the safety of minorities in India and have called for stronger legal protections.
The data suggests a strong link between political control and rising hate speech. The report raises concerns about growing intolerance and the normalization of hate speech in India’s political and social landscape. Urgent measures are needed to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of minority communities.
