India, March 9 -- During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi gave the slogan, "Open shops of love in the market of hatred." The phrase resonated deeply with those committed to India's constitutional values, particularly fraternity. Its moral appeal was reflected, to some extent, in the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It is heartening to observe that recently, ordinary citizens in different parts of India have come forward to resist and protest against acts of hatred and discrimination against Muslims.

Since the BJP came to power in 2014 under the leadership of Narendra Modi, there has been a steady escalation of hate speech targeting minorities, especially Muslims. This rhetoric has contributed to growing discrimination and, at ...