The Hindu and Indian community in the United Kingdom has long been concerned about the BBC’s coverage of India and Hindu-related issues. Over the past few years, these concerns have deepened, revealing a troubling pattern of bias, selective reporting, and lack of cultural sensitivity.
A nationwide survey conducted by INSIGHT UK between November 2022 and February 2023 highlighted that over 90% of British Hindus and Indians consider the BBC to be the least reliable outlet when it comes to reporting on Hinduism and India. The findings revealed widespread perceptions of misrepresentation, prejudice, and distrust in how the community and its faith are portrayed.
The follow-up report, “Spotlight on the BBC” (February 2024), documented more than 380 instances of one-sided or misleading narratives—from the coverage of Kashmir, Hindu festivals, and temple attacks to the mischaracterisation of India’s policies and leaders.
Repeated complaints to the BBC and Ofcom have largely gone unanswered or dismissed, leaving the community feeling unheard and unfairly targeted.
Hindu and Indian lives, values, and voices deserve to be represented with accuracy, balance, and respect. The BBC’s persistent use of reductive labels, its refusal to reflect Hindu perspectives on key issues, and its tolerance of anti-Hindu bias among contributors have eroded trust in one of Britain’s most important public institutions.
In this light, the community believes that addressing these deep-seated issues will require substantial editorial reform and cultural change at the BBC. This must not be a cosmetic exercise but a genuine effort to rebuild confidence through fairness, diversity of voices, and accountability in reporting.
Only through such renewal can trust be restored and the BBC once again serve as a platform that represents all communities with integrity.
Issued on behalf of the British Hindu and Indian community in the United Kingdom
