Modi and BJP fuelling hatred: anti-Muslim rhetoric intensifies in India TRT World article

The Turkish TV company TRT World has published an article dedicated to incitement of hatred against Muslims in India. Caliber.Az offers its readers an analysed version of the piece.

India has seen a "staggering" surge in hate speech against the country's religious minorities in 2024, as shown in a report by the India Hate Lab (IHL), a Washington-based think tank.

The report presents alarming findings about the rise in hate speech against religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims. The data shows a staggering 74.4% increase in hate speech incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, a trend that coincided with India’s general elections and the political rhetoric of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This analysis seeks to examine the political dynamics driving this surge, its implications for India's social fabric, and the potential consequences for domestic and international relations.

Political context and electoral strategy

The sharp increase in hate speech appears to be closely linked with India’s general elections in 2024, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP sought a third consecutive term in office. The report highlights how Modi and BJP leaders employed divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting Muslims, in an effort to consolidate the Hindu vote. Modi’s direct references to Muslims as "infiltrators" and allegations that the opposition Congress party would redistribute national wealth to Muslims underscored an electoral strategy that sought to exploit sectarian divisions for political gain.

Despite the BJP securing a third term, the party suffered an unexpected electoral setback, failing to win an outright majority and being forced into a coalition government for the first time in a decade. This outcome indicates that while polarizing rhetoric may have mobilized certain voter bases, it may also have contributed to a pushback from segments of the electorate that rejected extreme nationalist narratives.

Geographical and institutional factors

The IHL report underscores that more than two-thirds of the recorded hate speech incidents occurred in states governed by the BJP or its allies. This suggests that state-level political environments have a significant influence on the proliferation of hate speech. Furthermore, the report notes that over 450 hate speeches were delivered by BJP leaders, with 63 directly attributed to Modi, illustrating the role of top leadership in shaping public discourse.

The spread of these messages was amplified by digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), where official BJP accounts played a crucial role in disseminating anti-minority narratives. The organized and widespread nature of this digital outreach raises concerns about the interplay between political propaganda and social media algorithms, which often promote highly engaging but divisive content.

Social and communal ramifications

The escalation in hate speech has profound consequences for India’s 220-million-strong Muslim population, many of whom now feel increasingly anxious about their place in society. The report highlights a particularly disturbing trend in speeches advocating for the destruction of places of worship, reminiscent of the longstanding Hindutva agenda to reclaim religious sites from Muslims. The inauguration of the Ram Temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid just months before the election further emboldened these narratives, providing a symbolic victory for Hindu supremacists.

Such rhetoric not only deepens communal tensions but also risks fueling sectarian violence, as history has shown that incendiary speech can translate into real-world attacks. The normalization of hate speech in political discourse erodes the principles of secularism and pluralism that have been foundational to India’s democracy.

Legal and international repercussions  

Despite India’s legal framework against hate speech, enforcement remains selective, with political leaders often escaping accountability. The lack of response from the BJP to the report suggests either an unwillingness or an inability to curb the phenomenon. This raises concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutional safeguards meant to protect minority rights.

On the international stage, India's rising hate speech problem could tarnish its global image, particularly as it seeks stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships with democratic nations. Reports like those from IHL may increase scrutiny from Western governments and international organizations advocating for human rights. Additionally, multinational corporations operating in India may face mounting pressure to address concerns about rising intolerance, especially on digital platforms where their advertisements often appear alongside incendiary content.

Conclusion

The IHL report paints a troubling picture of how hate speech is being leveraged as a political tool in India. The 2024 general elections served as a catalyst for the surge, with top BJP leaders actively engaging in divisive rhetoric. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, threatening social harmony, democratic principles, and India's global reputation. Moving forward, there is an urgent need for stronger legal mechanisms, civil society activism, and responsible digital platform regulation to counteract the normalization of hate speech and safeguard India's pluralistic identity.