India witnessed at least 1,318 hate speech events targeting religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, across states and union territories in 2025.  On average, four hate speech events occurred per day, according to the new India Hate Lab report. This marks a 13 percent increase from 2024, and 97 percent increase from 2023, when 668 such incidents were recorded. In a 100-page report, the India Hate Lab detailed how a total of 1,289 speeches, or 98 percent, targeted Muslims.

While in 1,156 cases, it was explicit, in another 133 cases, Muslims were targeted alongside Christians. This is an increase of nearly 12 percent from the 1,147 instances recorded in 2024. Meanwhile, in 162 cases, hate speech was targeted at Christians, accounting for 12 percent of all events, either explicitly in 29 cases or alongside Muslims in 133 cases. This is a nearly 41 percent increase from the 115 anti-Christian hate speech incidents documented in 2024, signalling a worrying shift.

Recently, an annual global study published by the US Holocaust Museum placed India fourth out of 168 nations assessed for the likelihood of what researchers call intrastate mass killings. More significantly, India topped the list of countries facing such danger that are not already experiencing large-scale violence.Advertisement BJP-ruled states recorded more hate speeches Uttar Pradesh, with 266, recorded the highest number of hate speeches in 2025, followed by Maharashtra, 193; Madhya Pradesh, 172; Uttarakhand, 155; and the national capital region of Delhi recording 76 such events.  

In Uttar Pradesh, ahead of Holi, the state’s BJP leader Raghuraj Singh said that Muslim men should “make a hijab of tarpaulin for themselves” to avoid any inconvenience during Holi celebrations. The India Hate Lab report stated that across the 23 states and union territories analysed, 1,164 hate speech incidents – 88oc – occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), either where it held power directly or as part of a coalition, along with BJP-administered union territories.

 This is a 25 percent increase from the 931 incidents recorded in 2024.  Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emerged as the most prolific hate speech actor in 2025, as per the report, with 71 speeches; followed by Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad chief Pravin Togadia (46) and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay (35). 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)