ISLAMABAD: Gujarat, governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has emerged as a focal point for systemic anti-Muslim violence, reflecting a broader pattern of discrimination across India.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the state has created an environment where violence against Muslims is not only tolerated but is also actively encouraged by BJP politicians. This has led to numerous mob attacks and lynchings, contributing to the widespread marginalization of Muslims who face significant challenges in accessing legal recourse. The reluctance of lawyers to represent Muslim clients and the intimidation by extremist Hindu groups have fostered a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

Since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, lynchings have increased, driven by politically motivated Hindu groups using violence to advance their objectives. The 2002 Gujarat riots, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, primarily of Muslims, during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, continue to impact the state. These riots reinforced sectarian divides and consolidated BJP power, leaving the Muslim community isolated and economically disadvantaged.

The BJP, supported by allied media narratives, depicts Muslims as a national threat, which justifies discriminatory policies and escalates societal polarization. Under Modi’s leadership, communal tensions have intensified, making India a stage for religious identity conflicts.

Muslims experience systemic exclusion from political arenas, limiting their capacity to challenge discriminatory measures. International human rights organizations have expressed concern over the ongoing persecution in Gujarat, highlighting it as a reflection of the BJP regime’s broader targeting of minorities.

Gujarat also faces demographic pressures due to an influx of 4.62 million migrants, as recorded in the 2011 Census, driven by limited local employment opportunities. Despite government claims of economic progress, promises of infrastructure development remain unfulfilled, exacerbating socio-economic difficulties.

At the core of this situation is Hindutva, the RSS-supported ideology promoted by the BJP, which emphasizes Hindu nationalism and sidelines minorities. Modi’s administration has drawn global attention to India’s rising communal violence and its weakening democratic framework.

As international criticism grows, the global community watches with increasing concern over the BJP’s divisive politics, minority persecution, and the threats to India’s secular and democratic foundations.