Research organization India Hate Lab (IHL) has identified Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as the country’s most prolific hate speech leader in its report, ‘Report 2025: Hate Speech Events in India’. According to the report, Dhami made statements against religious minorities, particularly Muslims, in 71 speeches in 2025.
The report details a total of 1,318 hate speech incidents across India. Of these, 1,289 incidents specifically targeted the Muslim community. This marks a 13% increase from 2024 and a 97% rise compared to 2023.
Most incidents occurred in BJP-ruled states and Union Territories, accounting for 88% of all reported cases in these regions.
On Republic Day, Dhami said “If raising concerns about Uttarakhand’s future is considered hate speech, I accept it. There must be laws against illegal immigration, forced conversions, and those spreading violence. We have a responsibility to ensure a safe Uttarakhand for the next generation.”
Dhami also used controversial terms in his speeches, including “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” and “Spit Jihad.”
Key Highlights of the Report
1,318 hate speech incidents recorded in 2025
1,289 incidents focused on the Muslim community
Incidents reported across 21 states and Union Territories
88% of incidents occurred in BJP-ruled regions
Increase from 2024: 13%, from 2023: 97%
India Hate Lab stated that it will continue close monitoring of incidents targeting minority communities and warned “Those in power may temporarily evade accountability, but this irresponsibility will not last forever.”
The rise in hate speech incidents against minorities in 2025, along with the naming of CM Dhami and other leaders, has made this issue a national and international point of discussion.
