In recent years another chilling narrative evolved in India’s discourse, not through legal proceedings or verified probing, but rather through sensationalist headlines and tales written by media houses. The term “Love Jihad,” initially coined by fringe groups, has morphed into the mainstream media, frequently making headlines without evidentiary basis.
Considering the latest ‘Bhopal love jihad case,’ where a gang led by Farhan Khan allegedly ‘targeted’ Hindu college girls, the media houses chose to use headlines like “ Bhopal mein love jihad ka the karela story pattern…” and “kisi aatangi hamle se kam nhi jo Bhopal ke chatroo sath hua”; they quickly jumped into the chapter of love jihad. While the details of the case are unequivocally barbaric and the investigation is underway, however, oscillating between the “Kerala Story” and “love jihad” and ultimately linking it to a “terror attack” is like an attempt to add fuel to the already burning inferno.
The headlines were not just a mere sentence; they were a statement, pronouncements, and provocations. However, the media’s repeated invocation of the term “Love Jihad” is not a recent phenomenon; it has been seen in numerous cases where subsequent inquiries found no evidence supporting such allegations. Like the heinous crime in Shraddha Walkar was initially labeled as “Love Jihad” by several media houses and right- wing groups. Ultimately revealed itself to be a horrific act of violence with no evidence of a religious conspiracy or forced conversion. Similarly, the case of Hadiya, a Kerala woman who converted to Islam and married a Muslim man, saw her father’s allegations of “Love Jihad” fall flat when the courts themselves observed that Hadiya did not appear to be brainwashed.
‘Grooming Jihad, not Love Jihad’
A few media houses have gone as far as to introduce another term, “grooming jihad,” as “love jihad.” According to them, the term “love jihad’ has failed to capture the “severity” of the matter. However, the “Love Jihad” theory does not stop here; it has shaken the advertisement industry as well. The backlash faced by Tanishq for its “Ekatvam” advertisement, which beautifully depicted interfaith harmony during a baby shower, is a perfect example of it.
Time after time these cases are treated with emotionally charged language, erasing the lines between established facts and mere allegations, which in most of the cases are just proven myths.
Act to protect the ‘purity’ of Hindu women.
The acts of love jihad are often portrayed as “protecting” the purity of Hindu women and the Hindu community; however, they are mostly associated with violence and demonstrations. Like in the case of Rizwan, who fell prey to the Bajrang Dal violence for merely ‘attending’ the birthday party of his Hindu friend. A mob of 100 Bajrang Dal members barged into his flat, accusing Rizwan and his friends of “love jihad.” They continued to assault them until the police arrived. Continuing their actions, the mob followed the police van and Rizwan, accompanied by songs on their way. Nevertheless, no action was taken against the Bajrang Dal.
The Love Jihad propaganda draws a perfect parallel to “Shuddhi Andolan.” A ‘socio-religious’ movement that started in the 20th century and focused on reconversion of individuals, particularly Hindus, who converted to faiths like Islam or Christianity. The aim of the movement was to maintain “purity” in the Hindu community. Several measures were taken to stop conversions; however, the reconversion campaigns incorporated by Shuddhi Andolan frequently resulted in violent clashes between Hindus and members of other religious communities.
“Love Jihad” Political Speeches
In October 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed “Love Jihad” a “dangerous thing” during a rally in Kerala, citing the case of a 24-year-old Hindu woman who converted to Islam and married a Muslim man, a marriage later annulled by the Kerala High Court. Adityanath called on the Kerala government to take a firm stance on the issue, claiming that “Love Jihad” was a growing reality in the state, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) allegedly uncovering evidence of such activities in Kerala and Karnataka. In October 2020, he warned those involved in such practices to “mend their ways or face consequences,” referencing an Allahabad High Court ruling that deemed conversion solely for marriage unacceptable. In November 2020, Adityanath announced plans for a strict law in Uttar Pradesh to curb “Love Jihad,” emphasizing that the law would apply to all religions and ensure the safety and dignity of women.
Demolition and Love Jihad
Love jihad has seen controversial bulldozer politics too, where authorities have demolished properties in response to “love jihad.” This can be traced from cases like the Rajasthan Love Jihad case, where nine Muslim youths were arrested on charges of molestation and forced religious conversion involving Hindu girls. Authorities invoked the POCSO Act in the case, which drew strong reactions from Hindutva groups calling for stringent action and linking the incident to the controversial “love jihad” narrative. Amid protests, local authorities demolished part of the house belonging to one of the accused, Rehan, despite the family’s claims of having submitted all necessary documents. Notices were also issued to the families of other accused individuals, along with the local Jama Masjid and cemetery, both of which were subsequently locked.
In yet another case in April 2022, in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, a Hindu-Muslim couple, Asif Khan and Sakshi Sahu, eloped and married, prompting Sakshi’s parents to file a kidnapping complaint. However, Sakshi later sent a video message confirming that she married Asif of her own free will. Despite this, local authorities proceeded to demolish property belonging to Asif’s family, including their house and shops, using bulldozers in a bid to force Asif to surrender.
