Hate speech targeting Muslims and Christians in India surged by 74% in 2024, driven by election-season rhetoric and unrest in neighboring Bangladesh, according to a new report from the India Hate Lab, a Washington-based research organization.

The study, which analyzed over 1,000 verified in-person hate speech incidents, found that these cases occurred at political rallies, election events, religious processions, protests, and other mass gatherings. The number of incidents rose from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, reflecting a dramatic increase in hostility toward religious minorities.

Researchers said the surge was largely fueled by the general election, state polls, and rallies reacting to unrest in Bangladesh. The report noted that many incidents echoed long-standing Hindu nationalist narratives, portraying Muslims and Christians as outsiders or threats, and linking Muslims to “infiltration,” theft, or violence.

A second spike occurred in August, after political turmoil in Bangladesh. Some Indian political groups and media outlets reportedly exaggerated the scale of violence there, stoking anti-Muslim sentiment within India.

The report warns that hate speech has become increasingly dangerous, including open calls for violence, economic boycotts, and attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship.

Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against what they say is hate speech against Muslims by Hindu leaders, in New Delhi, India, 27 December, 2021

Reuters

Social media played a major role in spreading hateful content. Nearly 1,000 videos were first uploaded or streamed online, with Facebook and YouTube identified as primary hosts. The report criticized platforms for failing to enforce their own content policies.

Researchers concluded that hate speech is now routine in India’s political life, and the rapid escalation in 2024 reflects a more extreme and aggressive phase of Hindu nationalism.

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