Hate speeches across India up by 270% in 2024; Modi tops the list
New Delhi: India witnessed a staggering 270 percent rise in hate speeches in 2024, with approximately 89.3 percent of these speeches delivered by elected representatives including MPs, MLAs, and ministers.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report was compiled by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS), a Mumbai-based organization that promotes equality, inclusion, and peace while critically analyzing state policies to advocate for more inclusive governance. The report stated that CSSS monitored news items published in the Mumbai editions of leading newspapers such as The Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindu, Inquilab, and Sahafat. In total, 122 instances of hate speech were reported in 2024, a sharp increase from the 33 cases recorded in 2023.
Notably, the report revealed that nearly one-third of the 122 hate speeches—approximately 33 percent—were delivered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Of these, 117 (96 percent) targeted Muslims. In comparison, three speeches (2.45 percent) were directed at Hindus, and one each (0.8 percent) targeted Dalits and Sikhs.
The CSSS identified the 2024 general elections and state assembly polls in key states like Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra as significant contributing factors to the surge in hate speech. “A considerable portion of these hate speeches were delivered during election campaigns and political rallies, underscoring the heightened use of divisive rhetoric for electoral gain,” the report noted.
Importantly, 109 out of the 122 reported hate speeches—around 89.3 percent—were made by elected representatives, including Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, state cabinet ministers, union ministers, and the prime minister himself. One hate speech was notably attributed to a sitting high court judge.
Furthermore, the report emphasized that the vast majority of these speeches—109 out of 122—were made by leaders affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accounting for 89.3 percent of the total.
A closer breakdown showed that 40 of the 122 hate speeches (32.7 percent) were made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by Home Minister Amit Shah with 15 speeches. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma each made 12 hate speeches, while Maharashtra’s then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was responsible for five. Together, these leaders accounted for 84 of the 122 cases—approximately 68.5 percent.
Additionally, the report noted that BJP MLA from Maharashtra, Nitesh Rane, delivered nine hate speeches.
