Innovative Use of Parliamentary Platforms: AAI's Grassroots Mobilisation Against Anti-Muslim Hate Speech from Far-Right Hindu Extremism

Since the advent of the Modi government, there has been a troubling increase in the dismantling of democratic institutions, the curtailment of civil liberties, and the proliferation of lethal anti-Muslim hate speech across mass media and social media.

Religious persecution, assaults on religious minorities, and calls for the genocide of Indian Muslims have become alarmingly common. This disturbing trend underscores the growing threat to social cohesion and the fundamental principles of democracy.

In this context, the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia in May 2023 was particularly significant. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s reference to Modi as “the boss” during his visit was deeply disturbing to many.

This praise was seen as a failure to hold Modi accountable for his role in dismantling democratic institutions, curtailing civil liberties, and promoting anti-Muslim hatred and religious persecution.

In response, the Alliance Against Islamophobia (AAI) took an innovative approach to address these concerns by utilising parliamentary platforms.

They organized a screening of the Modi documentary during his visit, highlighting Modi’s complicity in the Gujarat Genocide and his ongoing role in fostering anti-Muslim hatred and religious persecution. 

This bold move was designed to raise awareness and mobilise grassroots support against the far-right Hindu extremist groups that propagate such dangerous ideologies. The screening was attended by Greens Senators David Shoebridge and Jordan Steele-John, as well as interfaith activists from the UK, Australia, and the US.

The impact of this screening was profound. It garnered significant support from various interfaith and civil society groups, underscoring the importance of unity in the face of