Communal Rhetoric: When 'Outrageous' Becomes Routine in Indian Politics

The public statement by a newly elected BJP MLA in West Bengal, Ritesh Tiwari, declaring he would not work for Muslim constituents who did not vote for him, highlights a growing normalization of communal politics in India. This incident, widely discussed, reflects a trend where statements once considered politically career-ending are now dismissed as routine electoral rhetoric. Political discourse increasingly features open religious mobilization and divisive language, exemplified by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's comparison of the Congress to the "new Muslim League". While communal riots saw a 51% decline in 2025 compared to 2024, reports indicate a troubling increase in hate speech events targeting religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, with 1,318 incidents recorded across 21 states. This shift signifies a deepening entrenchment of sectarian rhetoric in the political and social landscape, posing challenges to India's secular fabric.