Following the general election results, there has been a noticeable rise in incidents of mob lynching, Islamophobia, and the demolition of Muslim properties across the country. Over a dozen such cases have been reported, predominantly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising concerns over the opposition bloc’s silence on these issues.
Recent Incidents of Violence
In a series of assaults on the Muslim minority, four men have fallen victim to mob lynchings since the elections. On June 7, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, three men were allegedly beaten to death by members of the Bajrang Dal while transporting buffaloes from Odisha. Similarly, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim man was lynched on accusations of theft.
Even in Congress-ruled states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh, hate crimes have occurred. In Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, a Muslim-owned clothing store was vandalized by a Hindutva mob after the owner posted a WhatsApp status depicting animal sacrifice. On June 15, in Medak, Telangana, a madrasa and its staff were attacked by a Hindutva mob over allegations of illegal cow transport.
In Karnataka, on June 18, a Muslim girl was forced to remove her headscarf at an exam center in Ram Nagar before taking the UGC NET exam. The student noted this was her first such experience after taking several competitive exams in the past. Additionally, a college in Mumbai banned wearing scarves on its campus.
In West Bengal, a Muslim boy was brutally beaten and tied to a pole by a mob on suspicion of throwing meat near a temple. The incident occurred in Noapora Gaon, Birbhum District, on June 17, Eid al-Adha.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla, authorities demolished the houses of 11 Muslim families on suspicion of storing beef. Similarly, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) demolished the predominantly Muslim-populated Akbarnagar locality under the guise of city beautification, destroying over 1,169 residential properties and more than 100 commercial properties.
In Gujarat’s Vadodara city, a Muslim woman faced protests from residents of her housing complex after being allotted a house under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.
Odisha also saw communal violence after the BJP took power from the BJD. A curfew was imposed in Balasore town following clashes on June 17. In Khordha town, cow vigilantes stormed a Muslim home on suspicion of storing beef, confiscating meat and a refrigerator.
Criticism of Opposition Silence
In light of these incidents, the silence of the Opposition, particularly allies of the INDIA coalition, has drawn criticism. Activists, journalists, and concerned individuals have slammed Opposition leaders, reminding them of the crucial role Muslim voters played in reducing the BJP’s majority in Parliament.
Renowned activist Professor Apoorvanand criticized Opposition leaders for their reluctance to address these issues. “Opposition is speaking on NEET and NTA but is silent on lynchings and bulldozing of Muslim houses. What’s the point of having more numbers if you lack the will and courage to talk about violence against Muslims?” he wrote on X.
Harsh Mander echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Opposition’s moral and political shortcomings. “The surge of hate violence not only by mobs but also by state bulldozers directly after Modi’s return is a reminder of the BJP and RSS’s core ideology. But what does the Opposition’s silence reveal about their moral and political courage?” Mander asked.
Activist Nirjhari Sinha stated that addressing these crimes is not about appeasement. “Apologizing for crimes committed is not the same as appeasing them. It’s high time the INDIA alliance spoke up against the Oppression of minorities,” she said.
Veteran journalist Obaid Nasir also criticized the Opposition, noting that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is punishing the community that played a crucial role in the BJP’s defeat. Adityanath has gained notoriety for bulldozing Muslim houses at the slightest pretext, earning the nickname “Bulldozer Baba.”
Journalist Rana Ayyub underscored the Sangh ideology’s aim to marginalize Muslims. “The plight of being Muslim in India is that they are expected to support secular parties against fascism but will have few speaking up for them when it matters most,” Ayyub said.
Political Reactions
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the rising hate crimes, especially in Uttar Pradesh. “Two Maulanas were murdered in UP, Muslim houses were bulldozed in Akbarnagar, and two Muslims were lynched in Chhattisgarh. Is the Sangh Parivar taking revenge against Muslims?” Owaisi asked on X.
Criticizing the Congress party, Owaisi remarked that Rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat ki Dukan” (Shop for Love) slogan is akin to Modi’s “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.” Referring to the vandalism of a Muslim-owned business in Himachal Pradesh, he suggested that Gandhi’s slogan is mere rhetoric.
“If the looters were Muslim and the shopkeeper Hindu, the police would not be mute spectators. But I guess ‘mohabbat ki dukan’ is a jumla just like ‘sabkasaath,’” he wrote on X.
The rise in hate crime incidents and the Opposition’s muted response has sparked a debate on the role of political parties in addressing communal violence and ensuring justice for minority communities in India.