India’s anti-Muslim campaign aided by digital platforms

Munawar Zaman

Press TV, New Delhi

As India state elections draw near, anti-Muslim rhetoric is flaring up in the world’s so-called largest democracy. Findings from the center for Culture-Centered Approach to Research and Evaluation reveal at least 60% of the participants surveyed have come across content on digital platforms that incite violence against Muslims.

As Prime Minister Modi’s ruling BJP won a landslide mandate in the 2014 India General Elections like other leaders he wouldn’t shy away from talking about the spirit of democracy. He said democracy will sustain freedom of speech, equality and justice for all, besides the slogans such as ‘everyone together, development for all’ and ‘everyone’s trust.’

But in Modi’s new India, the situation looks different altogether. In the world’s largest diverse and plural democracy, Muslims are becoming victims of vicious hate campaigns and violence amid recent calls by Hindu extremist groups of Muslim genocide.

As observers say the anti-Muslim sentiments have flared since the ruling BJP came to power in 2014 but the last few years have been more vicious as the extremist groups have resorted to social media as a tool to demonize the Muslim community. Even the women are being intimidated and disgraced.