Maharashtra Election Results Signal Potential Rise in Hate Speech and Targeted Attacks on Religious Minorities
On November 23, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra state elections, securing 235 of the 288 assembly seats. The victory of the NDA alliance signals a significant achievement for the BJP as the party suffered substantial losses in the state during the 2024 parliamentary […]
Election Brief: Hate Speech and Polarization Overshadow Election Campaigning in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra state elections, set to take place on November 20, 2024, have been marked by rampant anti-Muslim hate speeches during the ongoing campaign. One of the most controversial elements of the rhetoric has been the popularization of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, “batoge toh katoge,” which translates to “if divided, you will […]
Election Brief: BJP Star Campaigners in Jharkhand Resort to Anti-Muslim Hate Speech to Polarize the Electorate
As Jharkhand heads to the polls between November 13-20, 2024, the election campaign in the state has been inundated with hateful rhetoric from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, particularly regarding alleged Rohingya and Bangladeshi ‘infiltration.’ This reflects a clear surge in anti-minority hate speech targeting Muslims living in the state, who are indirectly referenced through […]
India Hate Lab Brief: Dangerous Rise of Anti-Muslim Hate Speech in India’s Elections
As Indians take to the polling booths for the world’s largest elections, the India Hate Lab has noted a discernable rise in anti-Muslim hate speeches at election rallies. This was most concerningly and illustratively showcased in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign speech in Rajasthan state on April 21. “When they (the Congress) were in power, […]