New Delhi: India experienced a dramatic increase in hate speeches in 2024, with a 270 percent rise reported, according to a study by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS). The report highlighted that 89.3 percent of these speeches were made by elected officials, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the majority.

The CSSS, based in Mumbai, analyzed newspaper reports from publications such as The Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindu, Inquilab, and Sahafat. The study recorded 122 instances of hate speech in 2024, a notable increase from 33 cases in the previous year.

The report found that nearly one-third of the hate speeches were attributed to Prime Minister Modi. Of the total speeches, 96 percent targeted Muslims, while a small fraction was aimed at Hindus, Dalits, and Sikhs.

The increase in hate speech coincided with the 2024 general elections and state assembly polls in states like Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. The report indicated that these speeches were often made during election campaigns and rallies, highlighting the use of divisive rhetoric for political purposes.

Among the 122 reported hate speeches, 89.3 percent were made by elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, state cabinet ministers, and union ministers. A sitting high court judge was also noted for delivering one hate speech.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was prominently featured in the report, with its members responsible for 89.3 percent of the hate speeches. Prime Minister Modi led with 40 speeches, followed by Home Minister Amit Shah with 15. Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, were also significant contributors.

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane from Maharashtra was cited for delivering nine hate speeches, further reflecting the party’s dominant presence in the report.