India witnessed an alarming 74.4% increase in hate speech incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, with political leaders, especially from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), playing a central role in spreading anti-minority rhetoric. According to a report by the India Hate Lab (IHL), 1,165 verified in-person hate speech events were documented across the country—up from 668 incidents in 2023.
The report highlights a clear pattern: most incidents coincided with key electoral events, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and state elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 242 hate speech events, followed by Maharashtra with 210. Both states are BJP strongholds.