A new report by Washington-based research group India Hate Lab has revealed a staggering 74% rise in instances of hate speech against minorities in India during 2024, with cases peaking around the country’s national elections. The report documented 1,165 instances of hate speech last year, highlighting the role of prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in spreading divisive rhetoric.
According to the report, the vast majority of hate speech—98.5%—was directed at Muslims. The findings indicate that most incidents took place in states governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its allies, suggesting a strong correlation between political power and the rise in inflammatory rhetoric.

BJP Leaders among Top Perpetrators
The report claims that BJP leaders have frequently been accused of targeting India’s minority communities, particularly Muslims. The ruling party, however, has repeatedly denied allegations of Islamophobia. Responding to the report, BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill dismissed the findings, calling them part of an “anti-India reports industry” designed to tarnish the country's global image.
“Today's India does not need any certification from vested interests who seek to prejudice and dent India’s image,” Shergill told CNN. He also defended India's legal system, insisting that it was well-equipped to maintain peace and order.

Election Season Marked by Hate Speech Surge
The report highlights that the month of May 2024—when India held its general elections—saw the highest number of recorded hate speech incidents, with 269 cases. Modi and other BJP leaders were accused of using divisive rhetoric, with the Election Commission stepping in to ask the party to remove a social media post that opposition leaders said “demonized Muslims.”
The BJP was reportedly the organizer of 340 events where hate speech occurred, marking a shocking 580% increase from 2023.
States Under BJP Rule Report Most Incidents
The report identifies three BJP-ruled states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh—as hotspots for hate speech, accounting for nearly half of the total incidents recorded in 2024. In total, 79.9% of all hate speech events took place in states where the BJP governed, either independently or in coalition.
Hate speech was most frequently observed at political rallies, religious processions, protest marches, and cultural gatherings. The report details instances of political leaders and religious figures openly inciting violence against Muslims, including calls for physical violence, economic boycotts of Muslim businesses, and the demolition of Muslim homes and religious structures.

Rising Concerns Among Rights Groups
Rights groups have long warned that minorities in India, particularly Muslims, have faced increasing discrimination and violence since Modi’s government came to power in 2014. The India Hate Lab report reinforces these concerns, painting a grim picture of rising intolerance and organized hate speech campaigns.
While Christians were also targeted, the report notes that the scale of hate speech against them was significantly lower compared to Muslims.
The findings raise urgent questions about the state of communal harmony in India and the role of political rhetoric in fueling divisions. With international scrutiny mounting, analysts say that the Indian government will face increasing pressure to address the growing menace of hate speech before it leads to further unrest.
 

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