U’khand CM Dhami rubbishes US think-tank’s hate speech ranking putting him at top, says ‘will do anything to preserve Devbhoomi’s culture’

Dehradun: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has rejected a report by a US-based think-tank which ranked him at the top among political leaders for alleged hate speeches, asserting that he would "do anything to protect the culture, traditions and religious values of Devbhoomi and ensure a safe environment for future generations."The report was recently released by India Hate Lab, a research project of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), a Washington-based think-tank. With 71 alleged hate speeches attributed to Dhami, the NGO ranked him first among a list of politicians across the country delivering such speeches. According to the report, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of such speeches in 2025 at 266, while Uttarakhand reported 155.Responding sharply to the report, Dhami told TOI on Wed, "If someone wants to rank me number one, I welcome the decision. But I am very clear that we will not compromise on the issue of Devbhoomi."In the past, the CM has been vocal on issues such as land jihad, love jihad and demographic change.Dhami said he wanted to "provide a safe Uttarakhand for children and future generations and was willing to take steps in the interest of the people of the Himalayan state." "They should not live under any kind of doubt or fear. This is not just my pledge but the commitment of the people of Devbhoomi. I have never hated anyone; therefore, the question of hate speech does not arise. Should I not talk about jihad, demographic change and encroachment? I am surprised at how I have been ranked number one," he said.He further added, "If protecting culture, tradition and demography, and speaking about them, is considered hate speech, then I welcome this decision. Please go ahead and give me a higher rank. We will maintain, protect and preserve the original character of Uttarakhand, and if someone considers that hate speech, I cannot help it."On the issue of intent, the CM said, "Do you think I have ever spoken to anyone in anger? When alone, I might have felt annoyed about something, but I have never said anything in public in a fit of rage."