In the arena of global politics, accountability is often the hallmark of a functioning democracy. A striking example came from the United Kingdom in 2016 when prime minister David Cameron resigned after the Brexit referendum, taking full responsibility for the political crisis that ensued despite the decision being driven by a democratic vote. Similarly, in Japan, Naoto Kan stepped down as prime minister in 2011 following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, acknowledging the failure of his administration to manage the crisis effectively. These resignations highlight a standard of moral responsibility, where democratic leaders are expected to take ownership of the outcomes of their policies, good or bad.
Yet, when we turn our attention to Indian politics, a disturbing pattern of evasion has emerged over the decades. While the post-independence leaders of our nation set high standards for accountability, the present-day political class often shies away from taking responsibility, even in the face of glaring policy failures. This decline not only erodes public trust but also challenges the very foundation of democratic governance in India.
The erosion of moral responsibility in Indian politics
Moral responsibility and accountability have steadily been eroded in Indian politics. Where earlier leaders resigned for moral reasons even when they were not directly at fault, today’s political class often avoids such actions, opting to deflect blame instead. This decline in accountability represents a broader shift from the ethical standards that once guided the leaders of the country.
A clear example of this is the 2023 Odisha train disaster involving the Coromandel Express and other trains, which resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 300 lives. Despite widespread outrage and evidence of multiple lapses, no high-ranking official took responsibility. Compare this to the late 1950s, when Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned as railway minister after a similar accident in 1956. His decision, driven by a deep sense of moral accountability, set a high standard for leadership that is seen increasingly rarely today. The difference between then and now raises a fundamental question: why has accountability disappeared from Indian politics?
The importance of accountability: Insights from political philosophy
Accountability is not just a political buzzword; it is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Political philosophers like John Stuart Mill and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have long argued that a leader’s primary responsibility in a democracy is to serve the people, with power being a trust placed in the hands of those elected. If leaders evade accountability, this trust is broken, and democracy becomes hollow.
In the Indian context, Mahatma Gandhi was the embodiment of moral accountability. Gandhiji's approach to leadership was deeply intertwined with his belief in truth and responsibility. He held that any leader who has erred must own up to those mistakes, as this was the only way to maintain public trust and uphold the moral fabric of society.
His understanding influenced the makers of modern India, who valued not just political power but the ethical responsibility that came with it. Therefore, the founding fathers - Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar envisioned a system where public office was a sacred trust. They drew from the principles of ancient Indian philosophy, where kings were seen as custodians of the welfare of the people and were bound by dharma. This belief in moral responsibility was not only a political necessity but a spiritual one, ensuring that governance remained accountable to the people.
From Shastri to the present: A decline in accountability
In the years following independence, Indian political leaders upheld these ideals with remarkable consistency. As discussed earlier, in 1956, Lal Bahadur Shastriji set a powerful example when he resigned as railway minister following the Ariyalur train disaster in Tamil Nadu, which claimed 144 lives. Despite the accident not being directly his fault, Shastriji took full moral responsibility, believing that the loss of public trust required his departure. His act of resignation was a symbol of integrity and a reminder that public officeholders must answer for policy failures.
Similarly, T.T. Krishnamachari, the finance minister of India, resigned in 1958 following the Haridas Mundhra scandal, though he was not personally involved in the corruption. His resignation set a precedent for taking responsibility for lapses that occur under one's watch.
Further, in 1962, V.K. Krishna Menon resigned as defence minister after the crushing defeat of India in the Sino-Indian War. The defeat was a national embarrassment, and Menon, criticised for his handling of the military, took responsibility for the failures in defence policy. Although he had strong political backing, Menon’s resignation was a reflection of the political ethos of that era—a willingness to put the nation before personal ambition.
However, the landscape began to change in the subsequent decades. Since the 2000s, the notion of moral responsibility has gradually diluted. Therefore, despite a tragedy like the Balasore train collision in 2023, no minister resigned, despite clear evidence of institutional failures. While the Commission of Railway Safety and even the CBI conducted investigations, no political leader took moral responsibility for the tragedy, in stark contrast to previous eras.
The need for a return to accountability
The erosion of accountability in Indian politics has far-reaching implications. When leaders avoid responsibility, public trust in the political system diminishes. A democracy thrives when its leaders are willing to stand accountable for their actions, policies, and decisions. Without accountability, the very foundation of democratic governance weakens, thereby making the citizens rely solely on the once-in-every-five-year elections to undo their mistakes.
In this regard, we must realise that accountability is not just a political tool but a moral obligation. As political philosopher Hannah Arendt observed, “The responsibility of leaders is not only to answer for their actions but to ensure that power remains in the service of the people.” Indian politics therefore must rekindle this spirit. Political leaders must remember that their power comes with the responsibility to govern ethically, to face consequences when things go wrong, and, when necessary, to step aside for the greater good. Public institutions, too, must play a more active role in ensuring that accountability remains a key aspect of governance.
Fauzia Khan is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
