India's communal riots surge by 84% as Maharashtra leads the chaos

In India, the year 2024 witnessed a significant outbreak of communal riots, with a staggering increase of 84% compared to 2023. The Centre Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) report highlighted that Maharashtra topped the list for communal riots, recording 12 incidents over the year, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which each saw seven riots. The data compilation indicated that the total number of communal riots during the year reached 59, sharply rising from 32 in the previous year, showcasing a worrying trend in societal unrest fueled by political tensions and communal sentiment. The CSSS attributed this spike to various religious celebrations and processions that served as flashpoints for violence. Notably, four riots occurred in January following the Pran Pratishthan ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Mandir, while others were tied to Saraswati Puja immersions, Ganesh festivals, and Bakri Eid. Furthermore, the report claimed that many of these disturbances involved conflict aimed at marginalizing specific religious communities, with incidents often escalating over the alleged motivations of the participants. For example, there were numerous reports of violence surrounding religious perceptions and festivity practices. Alongside the increase in communal riots, the report detailed a persistent issue of mob lynching, which although showed a decline in numbers from 21 incidents in 2023 to 12 in 2024, still marked a serious societal concern. These lynchings resulted in the loss of 10 lives, with victims identified from multiple religious backgrounds, emphasizing an alarming trend of violence often connected to interfaith relationships and communal accusations. The CSSS noted that three lynchings occurred in Maharashtra, pointing towards a growing pattern of violence against minorities and those labeled as outsiders. This disturbing escalation in communal violence is seen as closely tied to significant electoral cycles earlier in the year, including the general elections held in April/May and state assembly elections across several regions in India. The report suggests that these political events contributed to the inflamed communal atmosphere, as political parties sought to mobilize their bases around religious identity issues. The increasing reliance on divisive rhetoric and the actions of fringe groups hint at a problematic shift in the political landscape, where the exploitation of communal tensions may continue to threaten the secular fabric of Indian society.