Muslim World Report

Media Bias in India: Uneven Accountability in Public Tragedies

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 8, 2025 10:46 AM | 9 min read | 1779 words

TL;DR: The recent Bengaluru stampede has highlighted glaring disparities in accountability within India’s media and government responses to public tragedies. This inconsistency raises urgent questions about citizen safety and the fundamental role of the media in fostering a culture of transparency across political landscapes.

Disparities in Accountability: A Tale of Two Stampedes in India

The recent stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has ignited a national discourse about accountability in governance, media representation, and the glaring disparities in responses to public emergencies. With the tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries, the Congress-led government’s decisive actions—initiating a suo motu FIR and suspending the Bengaluru Police Commissioner—demonstrate a commitment to public accountability that starkly contrasts with the muted responses characteristic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule.

This incident brings to the forefront critical questions about:

  • The nature of governmental responsibility
  • Media accountability in India

In stark contrast to the prompt actions taken after the Bengaluru stampede, earlier tragedies, such as those at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and the Delhi Railway Station, saw a troubling lack of accountability. These past incidents, which resulted in countless lives lost, were met with an alarming indifference:

  • No FIRs were registered against culpable authorities
  • No officials faced repercussions for these catastrophic failures

Such discrepancies in action raise significant questions about the government’s true priorities and its willingness to safeguard citizen rights (Bourke et al., 2018).

The reluctance of the Indian Supreme Court to engage with Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to past disasters—transferring jurisdiction to High Courts with limited directive powers—mirrors a broader trend in the judiciary towards inaction in critical matters of public accountability. Such judicial reluctance exacerbates concerns regarding systemic accountability and reveals the inadequacies of mechanisms intended to protect citizens in times of crisis (Kabeer, 2005; Kruk et al., 2018).

This disparity in accountability is not merely a political inquiry; it unveils a broader narrative about governance in India, one that showcases how political regimes manipulate power and influence public perception. The contrasting treatment of tragedies underscores a biased media landscape, demonstrating a systemic failure to uphold consistent standards of accountability (Zander et al., 2020).

What If the Media Held Consistent Standards?

Imagine a media landscape that adopted consistent standards of accountability across political regimes. The ramifications would be profound. A media that diligently reports on tragedies, irrespective of the ruling party, would foster transparency and robust public discourse. This would ensure:

  • Comprehensive coverage of incidents like the Bengaluru stampede
  • Equal scrutiny of past tragedies, like those in Prayagraj and at the Delhi railway station

A more active media role could catalyze public outrage, compelling governmental action in cases that currently go unaddressed. Moreover, a media committed to accountability could lead to:

  • Legislative reforms
  • Improved disaster management protocols
  • Enhanced public safety measures

Embracing accountability as a core tenet of governance is crucial for fostering citizen trust in both government institutions and the media. When tragedies evoke prompt and responsible responses, civic engagement and participation are likely to increase, empowering individuals to influence political outcomes and prioritize the public good over mere self-preservation (Deegan, 2002).

Political Accountability and the BJP’s Legacy

The implications of the recent events raise critical questions regarding not just accountability but the BJP’s broader approach to governance. The party has often faced criticism for its handling of public emergencies, and the lack of accountability exhibited in instances such as the Prayagraj stampede points to a systemic vulnerability.

What if the BJP were to face significant political consequences for its lack of accountability in prior tragedies? The repercussions could be politically seismic. A serious backlash from both the electorate and opposition parties could arise if the public perceives a pattern of negligence and impunity among ruling party leaders. Such public sentiment could shift the political landscape in India, catalyzing a wider inquiry into governmental practices that prioritize political preservation over citizen safety.

Political pressure might compel the BJP to reassess its governance approach, particularly regarding public safety. Confronted with the risk of losing voter confidence, party leaders might advocate for:

  • Stronger accountability measures
  • Reforms in emergency management
  • A more responsible approach to public safety

The emergence of new political movements emphasizing accountability and transparency could redefine the political discourse in India, challenging entrenched political norms and fostering a more participatory governance paradigm (Fritzen, 2006).

Historical Context: Past Tragedies and Media Response

To better understand the current landscape of accountability, it is imperative to analyze historical contexts. The stampede during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a religious event that attracts millions, resulted in significant casualties due to mismanagement and a lack of preventive measures. The media response during that tragic event was markedly different:

  • Coverage was often sporadic and lacked depth
  • There was insufficient effort to hold officials accountable

Similarly, the Delhi Railway Station stampede, which claimed many lives, was characterized by a lack of urgency in governance and media representation. The absence of an immediate and comprehensive response served to further entrench feelings of helplessness among citizens. These historical discrepancies highlight the need for a more engaged citizenry and a media landscape that prioritizes accountability across political lines.

What If Citizens Demanded Systemic Change?

What if citizens collectively demanded systemic change regarding accountability in governance? Such a grassroots movement could reshape the narrative around public safety and governmental responsibility in India. Historically, impactful changes in governance have been catalyzed by engaged citizenry. Mobilizing public sentiment around accountability and transparency could directly address the immediate failures evident in recent tragedies while laying the groundwork for long-term reforms.

Public demands could manifest through various channels:

  • Protests
  • Social media campaigns
  • Advocacy for comprehensive policy changes

Citizens could hold elected officials accountable, insisting on answers and demanding reforms that prioritize public safety over political interests. This mobilization could lead to a surge in civic engagement, with communities discussing safety issues, forming watchdog groups, and participating in local governance.

Moreover, this demand for change could prompt a reevaluation of the judiciary’s role in upholding public accountability. Citizens might push for greater access to justice, ensuring judicial mechanisms respond to their needs. As awareness of rights and precedents set by tragedies grows, the push for systemic reforms could gain momentum, resulting in a government that prioritizes citizen welfare above all else.

Media’s Role in Cultivating Accountability

In this complex interplay between governance, media, and citizens, the role of the media cannot be overstated. Historically, it has served as a watchdog, yet recent events show a concerning trend of selective reporting that undermines the core tenet of journalistic integrity.

The media must embrace its role as a neutral party, committed to consistently reporting on public safety issues without political bias. Investigative journalism focused on governmental accountability can leverage data and analysis to inform the public and influence policy changes. A media landscape that ignores political biases and prioritizes the truth can strengthen civic engagement and public safety measures.

It is essential that media outlets develop frameworks for accountability and actively cultivate relationships with communities to better understand their needs and concerns. The media’s responsibility encompasses not only reporting on current incidents but also following up on previously neglected tragedies, ensuring that victims’ stories are told, and their voices are heard. By adopting a more balanced approach, the media can foster transparency and accountability throughout society, ultimately leading to a stronger democratic framework.

The Judiciary’s Role

While the media and the government are critical players in the narrative of accountability, the judiciary also plays a pivotal role. The Indian Supreme Court’s reluctance to engage with Public Interest Litigations related to past disasters reflects a troubling trend that further exacerbates public mistrust. The transfer of jurisdiction to High Courts with limited powers raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of the judicial system in addressing systemic failures.

What if the judiciary embraced a more proactive role in holding the government accountable? A more engaged judiciary could prompt a cultural shift in the approach to public emergencies, ensuring that victims receive justice and that measures are implemented to prevent future tragedies. Citizens could advocate for judicial reform that prioritizes accountability, ensuring that the judiciary acts as a guardian of citizen rights.

The Need for Legislative Reforms

In tandem with a more active media and a responsive judiciary, legislative reforms are essential. The current framework surrounding public safety and disaster management must be reevaluated to meet the challenges of contemporary society. Revisions to existing protocols should be informed by international best practices, ensuring that India can provide safe environments for its citizens during large gatherings and emergency situations (Bhatia, 2005).

Additionally, legislative bodies should engage with community stakeholders to gather input on safety measures, creating policies that reflect the needs and concerns of citizens. Such collaboration can lead to a more inclusive governance model that prioritizes the lives and well-being of all individuals.

The Future of Accountability in India

As discussions continue regarding accountability in the context of the Bengaluru stampede and other tragedies, it is crucial to recognize that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. The convergence of government, media, and citizen engagement forms the bedrock of an accountable society.

Citizens must remain vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders while holding media and judicial institutions to high standards. By fostering a culture of accountability, India can work towards a future where public safety is paramount, and citizens can trust that their government, media, and judiciary are acting in their best interests.

References

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