Over the years, India has witnessed several tragic incidents that have led to the loss of many lives and left communities grieving. From accidents to political unrest, these events have had a profound impact on local populations, often sparking intense debates about accountability, responsibility, and political leadership. Here is a look at some of these incidents and how political responses, particularly in terms of resignations and accountability, have varied.
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The Lakhimpur Kheri Incident
In October 2021, violence erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, when a convoy of vehicles, allegedly linked to BJP leaders, ran over protesting farmers, resulting in the deaths of several individuals. This incident sparked nationwide outrage, with many demanding accountability for the deaths of the farmers. Despite the widespread criticism, the BJP secured a strong victory in the region’s subsequent elections, with the party’s dominance continuing in the area.
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The Hathras Rape Case
In September 2020, a horrific case of alleged gang rape and murder in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, led to massive protests and public outcry. The victim’s family claimed that the local administration failed to deliver justice, and there were allegations of mishandling the case. While this case drew national attention, the BJP continued to hold its position in the region despite the controversy and protests.
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The Mandsaur Incident
In June 2017, in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, a farmers’ protest turned violent, leading to police firing on the demonstrators and the deaths of several farmers. This incident sparked anger and criticism against the state government for its handling of the situation. Despite the incident’s gravity, the BJP maintained a strong political foothold in Madhya Pradesh, continuing to dominate the state’s politics.
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The Morbi Bridge Collapse
In October 2022, the collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, led to the tragic deaths of over 150 individuals. The incident drew widespread condemnation of the authorities responsible for the bridge’s maintenance and the failure to prevent such a disaster. While the tragedy elicited significant public mourning, the BJP continued to hold political sway in Gujarat, winning the state elections in December 2022 by a large margin.
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Resignations Amid Tragedies
There have been instances in the past where political leaders have resigned following tragic events. In 1999, Nitish Kumar, then Railway Minister, resigned after a stampede in the Patna railway station took 180 lives. Similarly, in 2013, Azam Khan, a prominent leader from Uttar Pradesh, resigned following a stampede that resulted in the deaths of 36 individuals.
However, in more recent years, such resignations have become rarer. In 2025, despite the loss of 50 lives in a stampede during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and a similar tragedy during a gathering in Delhi, no high-ranking political leaders resigned, leading to public discussions about the changing political landscape and accountability standards.
Conclusion
The issue of political accountability in the wake of tragic events has been a subject of intense public scrutiny in India. While some incidents have led to resignations and changes in leadership, others have seen political parties, particularly the ruling BJP, maintaining their grip on power despite public outcry and widespread criticism. This raises important questions about the evolving nature of political responsibility and the expectations of the electorate in such sensitive matters.
In the end, while political dynamics vary, the loss of lives due to mishandling or negligence in any tragedy is always a matter of deep concern. It remains to be seen how political accountability evolves in the future and whether the electorate will demand stronger responses from their leaders in the face of such tragedies.
