Love Jihad - Revision history

Editorial Oversight: False narrative and no significant coverage verified

2026-10-02T06:49:44Z

False narrative and no significant coverage verified

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	On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

	~~== International Perspective ==~~

	The "love jihad" conspiracy theory has been compared to similar Islamophobic narratives in other countries. In [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]], Buddhist nationalist groups have used similar rhetoric to claim that "love jihad" is a tool for Islamisation through mixed marriages.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Love Jihad: Loving for Religion \|url=https://www.republicworld.com \|work=Republic World \|date=10 September 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

	The concept has also been linked to contemporary white nationalist conspiracy theories and Western Islamophobia, featuring Orientalist portrayals of Muslim men as barbaric and hypersexual, and carrying paternalistic and patriarchal notions that Hindu women are passive and victimised. According to the [[Bridge Initiative]], "love jihad" is a debunked conspiracy theory. The Bridge Initiative states that the theory is promoted by [[Hindutva\|Hindu nationalist]] groups and has been associated with negative consequences for [[Muslim]] men in India.<ref name="Bridge"/>

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Bharatwiki Socrates: Undo revision 565486 by Bharatwiki Socrates (talk)

2026-10-02T05:26:15Z

Undo revision 565486 by Bharatwiki Socrates (talk)

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	\| target = [[Muslim]] men, interfaith couples		\| target = [[Muslim]] men, interfaith couples
	\| first_reported = 2007–2009		\| first_reported = 2007–2009
	\| organisers = [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]], [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh\|RSS]], [[Vishva Hindu Parishad\|VHP]] ~~and~~ [[Bharatiya Janata Party\|BJP]]		\| organisers = [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]], [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh\|RSS]], [[Vishva Hindu Parishad\|VHP]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party\|BJP]]
	\| participants =		\| participants =
	\| outcome = [[Anti-conversion law]]s in multiple [[States and union territories of India\|states]]		\| outcome = [[Anti-conversion law]]s in multiple [[States and union territories of India\|states]]

Bharatwiki Socrates at 05:24, 2 October 2026

2026-10-02T05:24:48Z

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	\| target = [[Muslim]] men, interfaith couples		\| target = [[Muslim]] men, interfaith couples
	\| first_reported = 2007–2009		\| first_reported = 2007–2009
	\| organisers = [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]], [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh\|RSS]], [[Vishva Hindu Parishad\|VHP]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party\|BJP]]		\| organisers = [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]], [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh\|RSS]], [[Vishva Hindu Parishad\|VHP]] and [[Bharatiya Janata Party\|BJP]]
	\| participants =		\| participants =
	\| outcome = [[Anti-conversion law]]s in multiple [[States and union territories of India\|states]]		\| outcome = [[Anti-conversion law]]s in multiple [[States and union territories of India\|states]]

Bharatwiki Socrates at 05:16, 2 October 2026

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 | participants =
 | outcome = [[Anti-conversion law]]s in multiple [[States and union territories of India|states]]
 }}
 '''Love Jihad''' (also known as '''Romeo Jihad''') is a term used to describe an alleged campaign by [[Muslim]] men to target non-Muslim women, particularly [[Hindu]] women, for [[religious conversion|conversion]] to [[Islam]] through seduction, feigned love, deception, or [[marriage]].<ref name="Bridge">{{cite web |title=Love Jihad Conspiracy Theory |url=https://bridge.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Love-Jihad-Consiracy-Theory-FS.pdf |work=Bridge Initiative, Georgetown University |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="Outlook">{{cite web |title=The Roots And Evolution Of The Myth Of 'Love Jihad' In Kerala |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/the-roots-and-evolution-of-the-myth-of-love-jihad-in-kerala-news-277712 |work=Outlook India |date=11 April 2023 |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The concept is described as a [[conspiracy theory]] by international bodies and media outlets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation as Disinformation: The Love Jihad Conspiracy Theory in Law and Lived Experience |url=https://socialandlegalstudies.wordpress.com/2025/04/28/legislation-as-disinformation/ |work=Social and Legal Studies |date=28 April 2025 |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ismat Ara on India's Crackdown on Love |url=https://tribunecontentagency.com/article/ismat-ara-on-indias-crackdown-on-love/ |work=The Diplomat |date=28 September 2026 |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> It has been used by [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalist]] organisations and has been the subject of significant political and legal debate in [[India]], particularly since the late 2000s.<ref name="WireUP">{{cite web |title=UP: 'Love Jihad' Conspiracy Takes on New Colour as Muslim Women Now Painted as the Villains |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/up-love-jihad-conspiracy-takes-on-new-colour-as-muslim-women-now-painted-as-the-villains |work=The Wire |date=11 March 2025 |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India Cracks Down on Hindu-Muslim Couples Under "Love Jihad" Laws |url=https://therevealer.org |work=The Revealer |date=6 November 2025 |access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

Bharatwiki Socrates: /* International Perspective */

2026-10-02T05:07:13Z

International Perspective

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	The "love jihad" conspiracy theory has been compared to similar Islamophobic narratives in other countries. In [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]], Buddhist nationalist groups have used similar rhetoric to claim that "love jihad" is a tool for Islamisation through mixed marriages.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Love Jihad: Loving for Religion \|url=https://www.republicworld.com \|work=Republic World \|date=10 September 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		The "love jihad" conspiracy theory has been compared to similar Islamophobic narratives in other countries. In [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]], Buddhist nationalist groups have used similar rhetoric to claim that "love jihad" is a tool for Islamisation through mixed marriages.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Love Jihad: Loving for Religion \|url=https://www.republicworld.com \|work=Republic World \|date=10 September 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

	The concept has also been linked to contemporary white nationalist conspiracy theories and Western Islamophobia, featuring Orientalist portrayals of Muslim men as barbaric and hypersexual, and carrying paternalistic and patriarchal notions that Hindu women are passive and victimised. According to the [[~~Georgetown University~~]] ~~Bridge Initiative~~, "love jihad" is a debunked conspiracy theory. The Bridge Initiative states that the theory is promoted by [[Hindutva\|Hindu nationalist]] groups and has been associated with negative consequences for [[Muslim]] men in India.<ref name="Bridge"/>		The concept has also been linked to contemporary white nationalist conspiracy theories and Western Islamophobia, featuring Orientalist portrayals of Muslim men as barbaric and hypersexual, and carrying paternalistic and patriarchal notions that Hindu women are passive and victimised. According to the [[Bridge Initiative]], "love jihad" is a debunked conspiracy theory. The Bridge Initiative states that the theory is promoted by [[Hindutva\|Hindu nationalist]] groups and has been associated with negative consequences for [[Muslim]] men in India.<ref name="Bridge"/>

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Bharatwiki Socrates: copied from Joseph Kallarangatt

2026-10-02T04:53:48Z

copied from Joseph Kallarangatt

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	''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>		''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>

			On 8 September 2021, [[Bishop]] of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai\|Eparchy of Palai]] [[Joseph Kallarangatt]] sparked a major controversy during a sermon at [[Kuravilangad Church]], when he claimed that "[[love jihad]]" was real and that there was also a "narcotics jihad" targeting youths by radicals as a means of indirect war to annihilate the non-Muslim population.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=10 September 2021\|title=Kerala bishop claims Muslims have launched 'narcotics jihad', faces criticism\|url=https://scroll.in/latest/1005116/muslims-are-getting-others-addicted-to-drugs-claims-kerala-bishop-calls-it-narcotic-jihad\|website=[[Scroll.in]]\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Philip\|first=Shaju\|date=2021-09-10\|title=Non-Muslims are targets of 'narcotic jihad': Kerala bishop\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/non-muslims-are-targets-of-narcotic-jihad-kerala-bishop-7499908/\|website=[[The Indian Express]]\|language=en}}</ref> The remarks attracted immediate, widespread commentary and mixed reception, even from within the Christian community.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web\|last=Krishnakumar\|first=R.\|date=8 October 2021\|title=Pulpit polemics: Bishop's homily on 'narcotic jehad' catches Kerala by surprise\|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/communalism/pulpit-polemics/article36535496.ece\|website=[[Frontline (magazine)\|Frontline]]\|publisher=[[The Hindu Group]]\|language=en}}</ref>

	On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

Bharatwiki Socrates: /* Criticism and support */

2026-10-02T04:30:13Z

Criticism and support

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	In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>		In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>

	Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

			''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>

	On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

Bharatwiki Socrates: /* Origin and History */

2026-10-02T04:23:52Z

Origin and History

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	The phrase "Love Jihad" appeared first as a conspiracy theory in 2009 by the ''[[Sanatan Prabhat]]'' and the [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]] and was later picked up by the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) and the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Assam CM Says Law Against 'Love Jihad' Will Have Provisions to Arrest Parents of Male Accused \|url=https://thewire.in/communalism/assam-cm-himanta-says-law-against-love-jihad-will-have \|work=The Wire \|date=26 October 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The term gained national attention in 2009 when the [[Karnataka High Court]] directed police to investigate allegations of "love jihad" related to an interfaith marriage case. Following a thorough investigation, the police concluded that "there seems to be no prima facie evidence of 'love jihad'".<ref name="HinduHC"/>		The phrase "Love Jihad" appeared first as a conspiracy theory in 2009 by the ''[[Sanatan Prabhat]]'' and the [[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]] and was later picked up by the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) and the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Assam CM Says Law Against 'Love Jihad' Will Have Provisions to Arrest Parents of Male Accused \|url=https://thewire.in/communalism/assam-cm-himanta-says-law-against-love-jihad-will-have \|work=The Wire \|date=26 October 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The term gained national attention in 2009 when the [[Karnataka High Court]] directed police to investigate allegations of "love jihad" related to an interfaith marriage case. Following a thorough investigation, the police concluded that "there seems to be no prima facie evidence of 'love jihad'".<ref name="HinduHC"/>

	In 2009, the [[Kerala Catholic Bishops Council]] also played a role in amplifying the term, claiming that up to 4,500 women had been "conned into converting."<ref name="Bridge"/>		In 2009, the [[Kerala Catholic Bishops Council]] also played a role in amplifying the term ''Love Jihad'', claiming that up to 4,500 women had been "conned into converting."<ref name="Bridge"/>

	== Legal Framework ==		== Legal Framework ==

Bharatwiki Socrates at 04:23, 2 October 2026

2026-10-02T04:23:10Z

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	== International Perspective ==		== International Perspective ==

	The "love jihad" conspiracy theory has been compared to similar Islamophobic narratives in other countries. In [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]], Buddhist nationalist groups have used similar rhetoric to claim that "love jihad" is a tool for Islamisation through mixed marriages.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Love Jihad: Loving for Religion \|url=https://www.republicworld.com \|work=Republic World \|date=10 September 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The concept has also been linked to contemporary white nationalist conspiracy theories and Western Islamophobia, featuring Orientalist portrayals of Muslim men as barbaric and hypersexual, and carrying paternalistic and patriarchal notions that Hindu women are passive and victimised.		The "love jihad" conspiracy theory has been compared to similar Islamophobic narratives in other countries. In [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]], Buddhist nationalist groups have used similar rhetoric to claim that "love jihad" is a tool for Islamisation through mixed marriages.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Love Jihad: Loving for Religion \|url=https://www.republicworld.com \|work=Republic World \|date=10 September 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

			The concept has also been linked to contemporary white nationalist conspiracy theories and Western Islamophobia, featuring Orientalist portrayals of Muslim men as barbaric and hypersexual, and carrying paternalistic and patriarchal notions that Hindu women are passive and victimised. According to the [[Georgetown University]] Bridge Initiative, "love jihad" is a debunked conspiracy theory. The Bridge Initiative states that the theory is promoted by [[Hindutva\|Hindu nationalist]] groups and has been associated with negative consequences for [[Muslim]] men in India.<ref name="Bridge"/>

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Bharatwiki Socrates: /* Criticism and Impact */

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Criticism and Impact

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	\|}		\|}

	== Criticism and ~~Impact~~ ==		== Criticism and support ==

	In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>		In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>

	Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

			On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

	== International Perspective ==		== International Perspective ==

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	''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>		''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>

			On 8 September 2021, [[Bishop]] of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai\|Eparchy of Palai]] [[Joseph Kallarangatt]] sparked a major controversy during a sermon at [[Kuravilangad Church]], when he claimed that "[[love jihad]]" was real and that there was also a "narcotics jihad" targeting youths by radicals as a means of indirect war to annihilate the non-Muslim population.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=10 September 2021\|title=Kerala bishop claims Muslims have launched 'narcotics jihad', faces criticism\|url=https://scroll.in/latest/1005116/muslims-are-getting-others-addicted-to-drugs-claims-kerala-bishop-calls-it-narcotic-jihad\|website=[[Scroll.in]]\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Philip\|first=Shaju\|date=2021-09-10\|title=Non-Muslims are targets of 'narcotic jihad': Kerala bishop\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/non-muslims-are-targets-of-narcotic-jihad-kerala-bishop-7499908/\|website=[[The Indian Express]]\|language=en}}</ref> The remarks attracted immediate, widespread commentary and mixed reception, even from within the Christian community.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web\|last=Krishnakumar\|first=R.\|date=8 October 2021\|title=Pulpit polemics: Bishop's homily on 'narcotic jehad' catches Kerala by surprise\|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/communalism/pulpit-polemics/article36535496.ece\|website=[[Frontline (magazine)\|Frontline]]\|publisher=[[The Hindu Group]]\|language=en}}</ref>

	On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

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	In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>		In December 2025, the NBDSA ordered five television news channels—[[India TV]], [[News18]] MP Chhattisgarh, [[Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh]], [[Zee News]], and [[ABP News]]—to take down broadcasts in which they claimed that [[NCERT]] textbooks were promoting "Love Jihad."<ref name="AltNews">{{cite web \|title=Zee, ABP, News 18, India TV face NBDSA flak for 'Love Jihad' spin to NCERT text book lesson \|url=https://www.altnews.in/english-clone-2026/zee-abp-news-18-india-tv-face-nbdsa-flak-for-love-jihad-spin-to-ncert-text-book-lesson/ \|work=Alt News \|date=8 December 2025 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> The controversy had erupted from a letter printed in an outdated Class III EVS NCERT book in a chapter called 'Chitti Aayi Hai' (letter has arrived), in which a woman named Reena was shown to have written a letter addressed to a man named Ahmed.<ref name="AltNews"/> The NBDSA noted that the programme structures "showed a lack of objectivity" and directed the broadcasters to take down the videos within seven days.<ref name="AltNews"/>

	Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		Demographic data from the [[Pew Research Center]] contradicts the premise of "love jihad." According to Pew, India's religious composition has remained stable since independence. Between 1951 and 2011, the Hindu population went from 84.1 per cent to 79.8 per cent, while the Muslim population only grew by 4.4 per cent from 9.8 per cent to 14.2 per cent.<ref name="Pew2021Demography">{{cite web \|title=Population Growth and Religious Composition \|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/ \|work=Pew Research Center \|date=21 September 2021 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious conversion in India is extremely rare and largely balanced across communities.<ref name="NH">{{cite web \|title=Delhi Police debunks woman's viral 'religious conversion' claim \|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com \|work=National Herald \|date=26 March 2026 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> Only 0.4 per cent of Indians said they were raised Hindu but now identify as Christian, while 0.1 per cent reported switching from Christianity to Hinduism.<ref name="NH"/> According to the Pew Report, 99 per cent of married people in India share the same religion as their spouse.<ref>{{cite web \|title='The Kerala Story': How an Indian film ignited violence against Muslims and challenges to interfaith marriage \|url=https://theconversation.com/the-kerala-story-how-an-indian-film-ignited-violence-against-muslims-and-challenges-to-interfaith-marriage-210443 \|work=The Conversation \|date=27 July 2023 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>

			''Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao'' is a campaign planned by [[Bajrang Dal]], the youth wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), to encourage young Hindu men to marry non-Hindu girls and to create awareness among Hindu girls about [[Love Jihad]].<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/Bajrang-Dal-to-launch-bahu-laao-beti-bachao-in-February/articleshow/45669704.cms? \| title=Bajrang Dal to launch ‘bahu laao, beti bachao’ in February \| date=29 December 2014 \| newspaper=The Times of India \| first=Ishita \| last=Mishra \| accessdate=7 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/bahu-lao-beti-bachao-bajrang-dal-launches-its-own-version-of-love-jihad-2019911.html Bahu lao, beti bachao: Bajrang Dal launches its own version of 'love jihad']</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-to-launch-bahu-lao-beti-bachao-campaign-to-counter-love-jihad-report_1521139.html Bajrang Dal to launch 'Bahu Lao, Beti Bachao' campaign to counter 'Love Jihad': Report]</ref>

	On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>		On 31 December 2022, the Indian right-wing news portal [[OpIndia]] published an list and analysis of 153 cases of alleged "Love Jihad" that it had reported on during the year 2022.<ref name="OpIndia153">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="OpIndiaArchive">{{cite web \|title=Force-feeding beef, hiding marriage and Muslim identity to forced conversion to Islam: Analysis of 153 cases of Love Jihad that OpIndia covered in 2022 \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134131/https://www.opindia.com/2022/12/analysis-153-love-jihad-cases-covered-opindia-2022/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=31 December 2022 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref> OpIndia continued its annual documentation of alleged "Love Jihad" cases in subsequent years. In January 2024, it published a similar analysis for the year 2023, again listing 153 cases, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (69), followed by Madhya Pradesh (22) and [[Gujarat]] (12).<ref name="OpIndia2023">{{cite web \|title=Rape and assault; beheading threats to force-feeding beef to Nikah and more: 153 cases of 'Love Jihad' which OpIndia covered in 2023 \|url=https://www.opindia.com/2024/01/153-cases-of-love-jihad-opindia-covered-in-2023/ \|work=[[OpIndia]] \|date=3 January 2024 \|access-date=2 October 2026}}</ref>