Shri Ram — the epitome of justice, compassion, and dharma. But today, his name is whispered in fear rather than faith in parts of India. “Jai Shri Ram” is no longer just a celebration of godly virtue — it has become the last words many hear before they are silenced. This issue reflects on the ethical paradox: What happens when God’s name is used to justify inhumanity? Can politicians reclaim the purity of belief from the politics of power?

In this article, I write not to accuse faith, but to examine how power twists it.

Over the past six months, India has witnessed a concerning escalation in violence and discrimination against minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. This period has been marked by a significant rise in hate speech, communal riots, and targeted attacks.​The Siasat Daily

📈 Surge in Hate Speech and Communal Violence

  • Hate Speech Incidents: In 2024, there were 1,165 recorded hate speech events targeting religious minorities, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. Notably, 98.5% of these incidents targeted Muslims, either exclusively or alongside Christians. ​South Asia Times+4India Hate Lab (IHL)+4arabtimes+4
  • Communal Riots: The number of communal riots rose by 84% in 2024, totaling 59 incidents compared to 32 in 2023. Of these, 49 occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its allies. ​The New Indian Express

🛐 Violence Against Christians

  • Persecution Incidents: The United Christian Forum reported 834 incidents of violence against Christians in 2024, up from 734 in 2023. These incidents included church vandalism, harassment, and false accusations of forced conversions. ​NRIAffairs+1RVA+1
  • Regional Impact: Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were the most affected states, with marginalized communities such as Dalits and Scheduled Tribes disproportionately targeted. ​NRIAffairs

🔥 Notable Communal Flashpoints

  • Nagpur, Maharashtra (March 2025): Violence erupted following protests by Hindu nationalist groups demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. Clashes resulted in over 30 injuries and one death. ​AP News+1Wikipedia+1
  • Murshidabad, West Bengal (April 2025): Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into riots, leading to three deaths, ten injuries, and the displacement of over 400 individuals. ​Wikipedia
  • Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh (October 2024): Communal violence ensued after a Hindu man was killed following an incident involving religious flags. The unrest resulted in one death and multiple arrests. ​Wikipedia

🗣️ International Reactions

  • U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom: In March 2025, the commission recommended targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency (RAW) due to its alleged involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists. The panel highlighted the deteriorating treatment of minorities in India. ​Reuters

Broader Context

These developments occur against a backdrop of rising Hindu nationalism and political polarization. Critics argue that the ruling BJP’s rhetoric and policies have emboldened extremist elements, leading to increased marginalization of minority communities. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, the implementation and protection of these rights remain inconsistent across the country.