Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has sparked fresh controversy by reiterating divisive rhetoric associated with “love jihad” and similar conspiracy-linked terms during a public event in Haridwar, just days after an independent hate speech report named him among the most prolific political figures linked to such language. The report by India Hate Lab identified him as having delivered the highest number of hate speech instances in India in 2025, with 71 recorded speeches containing inflammatory themes. (Maktoob media)
At a flag-hoisting ceremony organised by Dev Sanskriti University, Dhami defended his government’s actions against what he described as alleged “divisive activities” including religious conversion, land encroachment and other purported threats to local culture. He reaffirmed measures taken by his administration — such as dissolving the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board and shutting unrecognised institutions — claiming these were necessary to counter agendas he labelled as harmful. (Maktoob media)
Dhami also touted large-scale government action on land and curriculum issues, asserting that over 10,000 acres of government land had been cleared of encroachments under his leadership and framing the measures as part of broader efforts to safeguard the state’s cultural identity. (Maktoob media)
Opposition parties, civil rights groups and media freedom advocates have criticised Dhami’s comments, arguing that such rhetoric fuels social polarisation and undermines inclusive governance. They point to the hate speech findings and argue that government discourse should focus on unity and respect for all communities rather than repeating charged phrases that have become associated with communal tensions. (Center for the Study of Organized Hate)
