Human Rights Watch Shows Serious Concerns on Modi’s Islamophobic Campaign Speeches

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns about the content of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

HRW’s analysis revealed that out of 173 campaign speeches, Modi made Islamophobic remarks in 110 of them. The rights group highlighted how Modi frequently used hate speech against Muslims and other minority groups.

According to HRW, Modi’s speeches often accused opposition parties of promoting Muslim rights to incite fear among Hindus through false information. This rhetoric, the group argues, undermines India’s commitment to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which bans hate speech and discrimination.

Elaine Pearson, HRW’s Asia Director, criticized the Modi administration for normalizing abuses against minorities over the past decade. “These inflammatory speeches have further entrenched discrimination and violence against Muslims, Christians, and other communities,” Pearson said.

HRW also noted the stark contradiction between India’s self-image as a diverse democracy and the reality of its discriminatory policies. The rights group called for the Modi government to reverse its discriminatory stance, address violence against minorities, and seek justice for victims.

Modi’s speeches during the election campaign provoked significant backlash from opposition parties, civil society, and the Muslim community. International rights organizations have also condemned the treatment of minorities under Modi’s regime.

In his speeches, Modi frequently invoked fear by making false claims about threats to Hindu culture and safety. For example, he alleged that Muslims were undermining Hindu worship and endangering women. On May 14, he claimed that Muslim “infiltrators” were threatening Hindu idols.

On May 17, Modi falsely suggested that the opposition would damage the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Earlier, on May 7, he claimed the opposition Congress Party favored Muslims even in sports, alleging religious bias in team selection.

HRW also highlighted that other BJP leaders echoed Modi’s divisive rhetoric. Figures like Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made similar remarks that fueled anti-Muslim sentiment.

The rights group drew attention to the aftermath of the election, where incidents of violence against Muslims increased. This included demolitions of Muslim homes in Madhya Pradesh and lynchings in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.

Since Modi’s BJP government came to power in 2014, HRW asserts that discriminatory policies and anti-Muslim rhetoric have incited violence. Authorities have often failed to address these abuses adequately, fostering a climate of impunity and persecution for critics.

HRW’s report underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of policies and actions to uphold human rights and ensure justice in India.