Rising Communal Tension in India: BJP, Hindutva Groups and the Impact on Muslims & Christians

How the BJP and Hindutva Forces Are Shaping Communal Tension in India — And What It Means for the Future

Across India, growing reports of violence, hateful rhetoric, and discrimination against Muslims and Christians have sparked intense debate about the future of secularism and the direction of the nation’s identity. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied nationalist organisations promoting a vision of India aligned with Hindutva ideology, civil society groups, human rights organisations, and international observers are raising questions about whether India’s constitutional promise of equality is under strain.

This article explores verified incidents, authoritative reports, and the broader implications of communal strife — all presented in a clear, engaging, and fact-grounded manner.

Documented Rise in Hate Speech and Anti-Minority Rhetoric

Independent research groups and civil society reports show that hate speech and divisive political rhetoric has risen sharply in recent years, with individuals aligned with ruling political parties often at the centre of these pronouncements.

The India Hate Lab Report 2024, compiled by Citizens for Justice and Peace, recorded a 74.4% surge in hate speech in 2024, with contributions from political rallies, right-wing groups, and amplified messaging across online platforms. Much of this rhetoric targeted Muslims and other religious minorities, fuelling communal tensions nationwide. CJP

In a separate report on anti-minority hate crimes in the first year of the current government term, researchers found dozens of hate speeches delivered by political office holders, including BJP-aligned leaders, pointing to an escalation in public commentary that demeans minority communities. The Wire

Human Rights Watch has similarly documented inflammatory political speech targeting religious minorities during the 2024 election campaign, noting that this language contributed to greater social hostility and discrimination against Muslims and Christians in particular. Human Rights Watch

International Concerns and Minority Rights Reports

International bodies also continue to raise concerns about the state of religious freedom and minority protection in India.

A United States Department of State report on International Religious Freedom notes ongoing discrimination and violence against religious minorities despite constitutional protections. U.S. Department of State

A recent update from a U.S. human rights analysis adds that laws enacted since 2014 appear to disadvantage religious minorities, such as Muslims, through policies related to citizenship, anti-conversion rules, and livestock regulations — all issues that have disproportionately affected these communities. Madhyamam

These findings have led observers to question how effectively India’s institutions are protecting the constitutional guarantee of secularism, especially as reports of prejudice and hotline cases of targeted harassment surface.

Verified Incidents of Communal Violence Involving Hindutva Groups

While India has a long history of communal violence that predates recent politics, some of the most cited incidents involve right-wing Hindu organisations, including those aligned with BJP support bases.

For example, the 2021 Kawardha unrest in Chhattisgarh saw flare-ups between religious communities, in which members of groups like the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) played active roles in mobilising crowds after a dispute over the removal of religious flags. Wikipedia

Historical records also point to earlier episodes of violence against Christian communities, such as the 1999 Ranalai attacks in Odisha’s Gajapati district, when houses were burned and neighbourhoods were assaulted by large mobs — investigations later pointed to planning and incitement associated with Sangh Parivar affiliates. Wikipedia

The Bigger Picture: Hindutva, Identity and India’s Future

At the core of the current tension is a clash of visions for India’s identity.

Critics argue that the ruling party’s political programme increasingly draws on Hindutva, a form of cultural nationalism rooted in Hindu identity, which in practice can marginalise religious minorities. International analysts and scholars have pointed out that while India’s Constitution enshrines secularism and equal citizenship, the rise of Hindu nationalist narratives risks creating a society where some groups are treated as second-class citizens. Cato Institute

For millions of Indians — both within the country and in the diaspora — this has significant implications:

• Social cohesion: Increased polarisation along religious lines risks deeper mistrust between communities.

• Legal equality: Uneven application of laws tied to religion (such as anti-conversion and place of worship disputes) can erode confidence in equal protection.

• Political identity: A push for a majoritarian narrative may diminish space for India’s rich plural traditions.

Voices from Within and Outside India

These concerns are not limited to opposition parties or activists. International human rights bodies and foreign governments have publicly called attention to religious intolerance and the need to safeguard minority freedoms. A U.S. official in prior coverage described religious intolerance in India as reaching a level that was "frightening," urging a course correction to uphold democratic norms. Voice of America

Meanwhile, civil liberties organisations within India continue to document hate speech incidents and file complaints against individuals whose rhetoric incites division and violence. CJP

Where Does India Go from Here?

India stands at a crossroads: a nation built on pluralism and diversity, yet facing rising narratives that champion sectarian interests. The question is not merely political but existential — whether a vibrant democracy with multiple faiths and traditions can weather pressures of majoritarian nationalism.

What remains clear is this: Reports from credible institutions, on-the-ground incidents, and international observations all show that religious minorities in India are facing heightened scrutiny, discrimination, and social hostility in recent years. The ultimate test will be how India’s leaders, judiciary, and civil society respond — whether by reinforcing constitutional protections or allowing exclusionary narratives to take deeper root.