By Muslim Mirror Staff
In 2023, India experienced a disturbing surge in anti-Muslim hate speech events, with nearly two incidents occurring per day on average, according to a report released by India Hate Lab (IHL), a reputable research group based in Washington, DC. The report revealed that a staggering 75 percent of these hate speech events took place in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The timing of these hate speech incidents is particularly noteworthy, as they peaked between August and November, coinciding with the period of political campaigning and polling in four major states. This suggests a concerning correlation between political rhetoric and the proliferation of hate speech targeting Muslims, highlighting the potential exploitation of communal tensions for electoral gains.
IHL has documented the widespread occurrence of hate speeches directed at Indian Muslims across various platforms, including social media, political rallies, and mainstream media outlets. These hate speeches often propagate divisive narratives, demonize Muslims, and promote discriminatory attitudes, contributing to an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and hostility.
IHL’s research underscores the systemic nature of hate speech in India, with certain political figures and extremist groups consistently employing inflammatory rhetoric to vilify Muslims and advance their own agendas. By exploiting communal tensions and promoting sectarianism, these actors perpetuate a cycle of violence and discrimination that undermines the country’s social cohesion and democratic values.
IHL’s findings highlight the detrimental impact of hate speech on Indian Muslims’ lives and well-being. Beyond the immediate psychological harm inflicted by derogatory language and incendiary rhetoric, hate speech can fuel violence, discrimination, and hate crimes against Muslim communities, exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalization within Indian society.
In addition to documenting hate speech incidents, IHL has also analyzed the broader socio-political context in which such rhetoric thrives. Factors such as rising religious nationalism, polarized media coverage, and impunity for perpetrators of hate crimes have created an environment conducive to the proliferation of anti-Muslim sentiment and rhetoric in India.
IHL’s research further underscores the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to combat hate speech effectively. While India does have laws in place to address hate speech, including provisions in the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, enforcement remains inconsistent, and perpetrators often act with impunity.
IHL advocates for proactive measures to promote interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and understanding within Indian society. By fostering inclusive narratives and promoting respect for religious diversity, policymakers, civil society organizations, and grassroots activists can help mitigate the spread of hate speech and foster a culture of coexistence and mutual respect.
IHL’s research serves as a crucial wake-up call for Indian society and policymakers to confront the scourge of hate speech and work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society. By addressing the root causes of intolerance and discrimination, India can uphold its commitment to pluralism, secularism, and human rights for all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Executive Summary
- In 2023, India Hate Lab (IHL) documented 668 hate speech events targeting Muslims. Similarly, IHL recorded 255 of the events in the first half of 2023, while the number rose to 413 events in the second half of the year, a 62% increase.
- 498 (75%) of the events took place in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states, union territories (administered by the BJP-led central government), and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi (police and public order comes under purview of the BJP-led central government).
- Among the top eight states with the most hate speech events, six were ruled by the BJP throughout the year. The other two states held legislative elections in 2023 and were ruled by the BJP for part of the year.
- 239 (36%) of the events included a direct call of violence against Muslims. 77% of these dangerous speeches were delivered in states and territories ruled/governed by the BJP.
- The Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was responsible for 216 (32%) events, making it the top organizer of hate speech events. Overall, 307 (46%) of hate speech events were organized by entities that are part of the broader Sangh Parivar (RSS family).
- Our report has found rapid growth of new Hindu nationalist groups and actors engaging in hate speech.
- BJP leaders were involved in delivering hate speeches at 100 (15%) of the events. BJP legislator T Raja Singh spoke at 23 events, including 14 dangerous speeches with calls to violence against Muslims.
- In BJP-ruled states, around 11% of events featured BJP leaders, whereas in non-BJP-ruled states, this figure rose to 28%.
- Maharashtra (118), Uttar Pradesh (104), and Madhya Pradesh (65) ranked top among states for hate speech events. These three BJP-ruled states collectively accounted for 43% of the total hate speech events recorded.
- Hate speech events peaked between August and November, coinciding with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal Shaurya Jagran rallies and state legislative elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Approximately 318 hate speech events, or 48% of the total, took place during this period.
- 420 (63%) of the events included references to conspiracy theories, primarily involving love jihad, land jihad, halal jihad, and population jihad.
- 169 (25%) events featured speeches calling for targeting Muslim places of worship. Out of 193 events that took place between October 7 (the day Hamas attacked Israel and the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza) and December 31, 2023, 41 (21%) mentioned the Israel-Gaza war to stoke hatred towards Indian Muslims.
- Hindu religious leaders delivered hate speeches at 93 (14%) of the events.
- Rohingya refugees were targeted in speeches at 38 (4%) of the events.
- 176 (26%) events were held in the five states (Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana) that conducted legislative elections in 2023.
- 186 (28%) events took place in states that are slated for elections in 2024. The majority of these events were held in Maharashtra.
- Hindu far-right influencer Kajal Hindustani, chief of Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) Pravin Togadia, and chief of Hindu Rashtra Sena, Dhananjay Desai are the top three sources of hate speech.
- BJP legislator T Raja Singh, Pravin Togadia, and Kajal Hindustani are the top three sources of dangerous speech