India, Feb. 9 -- Hate speech against minorities has been one of the most significant strategies used by the BJP to polarise the majority community and secure electoral victories over the past eleven years. Several BJP leaders are notoriously known for their abusive rhetoric, and there is no shortage of examples of despicable hate speech over the last decade.

During every election season, such rhetoric intensifies. As Assembly elections approach in three states-West Bengal, Assam, and Kerala-the frequency and ferocity of hate speech have escalated sharply. In fact, a disturbing competition appears to have emerged among BJP leaders in practising the cruel art of hate speech.

The recent communally charged rhetoric of Assam Chief Minister H...