Hate speech against Muslims, Christians rises significantly in India
text_fields
New Delhi: Hate speech targeting Muslims and Christians in India has recorded a significant rise, and most of such speeches were issued by the ruling BJP and its allies, according to a new report by the Centre for the Study of Organised Hate. The report highlights a growing pattern of organised and digitally amplified hate speech incidents across the country.
The report documents 1,319 confirmed instances of hate speech in 2025, spanning 21 states, one Union Territory and the national capital. This marks a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous year and a steep 97 per cent rise over 2023 levels, indicating a sharp escalation in such incidents. On average, the findings suggest that multiple instances are occurring daily, pointing to a sustained and widespread trend.
A significant proportion of these incidents were reported in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies, accounting for nearly nine out of ten cases. The report links this geographical concentration to broader political and social dynamics, while also identifying organised mobilisation behind many such events.
Digital platforms have emerged as a key driver in the spread of hate speech, with the majority of incidents backed by video evidence circulating online. Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X have been identified as primary channels through which such content is disseminated. The report notes that Facebook accounts for the largest share of initial uploads, followed by other platforms.
The findings also point to the involvement of groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal in organising events linked to hate speech, alongside the use of coordinated campaigns promoting misinformation and economic boycotts.
Researchers argue that regulatory gaps and relaxed content moderation policies have enabled the persistence of such content, even when prominent accounts are restricted. They call for a systemic response that addresses algorithmic amplification and proposes regulatory frameworks similar to those adopted in the European Union to curb the spread of online hate.