Counterview: National: Monday, 02 March 2026.
Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India.
A recent flashpoint was
the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad
Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.
The event reportedly brought together more than 800 organisations with the stated objective of protecting Hindu culture. It was organised to mark the silver jubilee of the organisation and celebrate the 83rd birthday of its founder, Dr. Jayant Athavale. However, critics allege that the platform was used to target the Muslim community, and they question the presence and support of leaders associated with the BJP government.
The Mahotsav saw participation from over 3,000 delegates, largely from Hindu groups. Media reports highlighted controversial speeches in which some speakers allegedly made inflammatory remarks against Muslims.
Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shripad Naik and Sanjay Seth, along with Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Among the speakers was Suresh Chavhanke, editor-in-chief of Sudarshan TV, who reportedly claimed that “25% Muslims presently living in India are infiltrators” from neighbouring countries and suggested that they should be removed through the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He also reportedly called for capping the Muslim population in India.
Ashwini Upadhyay, a BJP leader, suggested that Muslims should be converted to Hinduism and urged Hindus to actively pursue conversion efforts. He reportedly stated that if every Hindu converted one Muslim, a broader objective could be achieved. He also suggested that Hindu business owners encourage their Muslim employees to convert to Hinduism and that a “government fear” should be instilled among Muslims.
Rahul Dewan of the Hindu Fund reportedly called for an “offensive strategy” to establish what he described as a “constitutional Hindu Rashtra,” and made remarks advocating segregation between Hindus and Muslims.
The event has sparked public debate, raising questions about the background of Sanatan Sanstha, the role of the government in supporting such programmes, and the broader implications for communal harmony in the country.
Founded in 1999 in Goa by Dr. Jayant Athavale, Sanatan Sanstha advocates the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” Over the years, the organisation has faced allegations in connection with several bomb blast cases between 2007 and 2009, including incidents in Vashi and Thane in Maharashtra, and in Panvel in Goa. Members linked to the organisation have also been accused in cases related to the killings of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M. M. Kalburgi, and journalist Gauri Lankesh. The organisation has denied wrongdoing in various instances, and it has not been banned.
According to an RTI response, the Union Ministry of Culture sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 63 lakh to Sanatan Sanstha, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi Village, Ponda, Goa, for organising the Mahotsav. The Ministry reportedly stated that the grant was provided under the head commemorating the 150th year of the national song “Vande Mataram.” The funding decision has drawn criticism from sections of civil society and media.
Aditya Menon, editor of the web portal The Quint, questioned the government’s decision to fund the event, arguing that the issue was not the amount sanctioned but whether public money should support programmes that allegedly run contrary to constitutional principles. He asked whether the government could fund an event where calls for a “Hindu Rashtra” and alleged “cleansing” of Muslims were made.
On its official website, Sanatan Sanstha stated that the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav (2025) aimed to unite pro-Hindu organisations for the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” It said the gathering brought together saints, leaders and devotees to resolve to establish an ideal “Sanatan Rashtra,” protect temples and traditions, and defend Hindu culture from perceived threats.
Critics argue that such developments contribute to a sense of insecurity among Muslims, who they say are already facing challenges such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demolition drives popularly referred to as “bulldozer actions.”
Observers have also drawn parallels with the December 17–19, 2021 Dharma Sansad held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where controversial speeches calling for violence against Muslims were delivered. While arrests were made following public outcry, many accused later secured bail.
The recent Mahotsav in New Delhi has renewed debate about hate speech, government accountability and the safeguarding of constitutional values. Whether legal or institutional action will follow remains uncertain, but the event has once again brought communal tensions and minority rights into sharp public focus.
—
*Journalist based in Chennai
Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India.
The event reportedly brought together more than 800 organisations with the stated objective of protecting Hindu culture. It was organised to mark the silver jubilee of the organisation and celebrate the 83rd birthday of its founder, Dr. Jayant Athavale. However, critics allege that the platform was used to target the Muslim community, and they question the presence and support of leaders associated with the BJP government.
The Mahotsav saw participation from over 3,000 delegates, largely from Hindu groups. Media reports highlighted controversial speeches in which some speakers allegedly made inflammatory remarks against Muslims.
Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shripad Naik and Sanjay Seth, along with Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Among the speakers was Suresh Chavhanke, editor-in-chief of Sudarshan TV, who reportedly claimed that “25% Muslims presently living in India are infiltrators” from neighbouring countries and suggested that they should be removed through the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He also reportedly called for capping the Muslim population in India.
Ashwini Upadhyay, a BJP leader, suggested that Muslims should be converted to Hinduism and urged Hindus to actively pursue conversion efforts. He reportedly stated that if every Hindu converted one Muslim, a broader objective could be achieved. He also suggested that Hindu business owners encourage their Muslim employees to convert to Hinduism and that a “government fear” should be instilled among Muslims.
Rahul Dewan of the Hindu Fund reportedly called for an “offensive strategy” to establish what he described as a “constitutional Hindu Rashtra,” and made remarks advocating segregation between Hindus and Muslims.
The event has sparked public debate, raising questions about the background of Sanatan Sanstha, the role of the government in supporting such programmes, and the broader implications for communal harmony in the country.
Founded in 1999 in Goa by Dr. Jayant Athavale, Sanatan Sanstha advocates the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” Over the years, the organisation has faced allegations in connection with several bomb blast cases between 2007 and 2009, including incidents in Vashi and Thane in Maharashtra, and in Panvel in Goa. Members linked to the organisation have also been accused in cases related to the killings of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M. M. Kalburgi, and journalist Gauri Lankesh. The organisation has denied wrongdoing in various instances, and it has not been banned.
According to an RTI response, the Union Ministry of Culture sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 63 lakh to Sanatan Sanstha, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi Village, Ponda, Goa, for organising the Mahotsav. The Ministry reportedly stated that the grant was provided under the head commemorating the 150th year of the national song “Vande Mataram.” The funding decision has drawn criticism from sections of civil society and media.
Aditya Menon, editor of the web portal The Quint, questioned the government’s decision to fund the event, arguing that the issue was not the amount sanctioned but whether public money should support programmes that allegedly run contrary to constitutional principles. He asked whether the government could fund an event where calls for a “Hindu Rashtra” and alleged “cleansing” of Muslims were made.
On its official website, Sanatan Sanstha stated that the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav (2025) aimed to unite pro-Hindu organisations for the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” It said the gathering brought together saints, leaders and devotees to resolve to establish an ideal “Sanatan Rashtra,” protect temples and traditions, and defend Hindu culture from perceived threats.
Critics argue that such developments contribute to a sense of insecurity among Muslims, who they say are already facing challenges such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demolition drives popularly referred to as “bulldozer actions.”
Observers have also drawn parallels with the December 17–19, 2021 Dharma Sansad held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where controversial speeches calling for violence against Muslims were delivered. While arrests were made following public outcry, many accused later secured bail.
The recent Mahotsav in New Delhi has renewed debate about hate speech, government accountability and the safeguarding of constitutional values. Whether legal or institutional action will follow remains uncertain, but the event has once again brought communal tensions and minority rights into sharp public focus.
—
*Journalist based in Chennai
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