Has Islamophobia become a mainstream habit in India?

India’s social fabric has long been characterised by diversity, disagreement, and dialogue. There has been a troubling shift in public discourse in recent times. The suspicion towards the Muslim community is no longer confined to the margins but is frequently echoed in everyday conversations, political rhetoric, and digital spaces. It has been gradual, layered, and often justified in the language of nationalism, security, or cultural protection. The moment is particularly alarming, as the presence of this bias is accepted with the comfort that it is expressed openly, unapologetically, and sometimes even celebrated.

A case of discrimination in a ‘Secular’ country

Baridhara, the victim of the incident mentioned, while speaking to News Ei Samay, said, “An interfaith family learns early that love often comes with a price, and today, we were asked to pay it. I booked a Rapido cab from Beadon Street to my residence and was travelling with my friend Deeptangshu. After the jam near Belgachia, the driver said, “Apnara janen keno jam hoyechilo okhane?” (Do you know why there was a traffic jam there?) When we asked why, he replied, “Karon okhane shobai Muslim der area. Jekhane ora thake, shekhanei jhamela hoy, rasta-e problem hoy.” (Because that’s a Muslim area; wherever they live, there’s trouble on the roads.) He then added, “Kichu mone korben na… ami Muslim kauke garite tuli na.” (Don’t mind, but I don’t take Muslims in my car.) I calmly said, “Ami nije Muslim.” (I am Muslim.) He asked my name and said, “Ami jodi jantam, ami apnake garite tultam na.” (If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you get into the car.)

“We were forced to get down mid-journey with four large pieces of luggage; he took half the fare without remorse,” she further added.

The victim has called the Rapido Cabs helpline and hopes to get the right justice for this because this wasn’t just a cab ride; it was casual, open discrimination spoken without fear. She is looking forward to filing a formal complaint soon and pursuing this through the appropriate channels.

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Prejudice rebranded as patriotism

The defining feature of contemporary Islamophobia is its repackaging. The hostility is rarely acknowledged as hatred; instead, it is framed as concern, critique, or “speaking truth”. Muslims are frequently portrayed through a narrow lens as demographic threats, political pawns, or cultural outsiders, despite being integral to India’s history and present. Social media has amplified this trend dramatically. Misinformation spreads faster than correction, and isolated incidents are often projected onto an entire community. The hashtags replace nuance, outrage replaces inquiry, and stereotypes gain the appearance of facts. The political silence has further blurred the line between dissent and discrimination. The leaders fail to challenge sweeping generalisations or selectively condemn hate; it sends a signal that exclusion is acceptable, even strategic.

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Islamophobia in India has not become universal, but it has undeniably become visible, vocal, and increasingly tolerated. A society that prides itself on plurality must decide whether it will confront this moment honestly or allow prejudice to masquerade as the new normal.