Taking office at the age of 81, Morarji Desai became the first individual to lead India as a non-Congress Prime Minister. His tenure from 1977 to 1979 marked a significant transition in national politics, following the upheaval of the state of emergency. A lifelong practitioner of Hinduism, he left a complex legacy spanning six decades of public service.
Early Trajectory and Civil Disobedience
Born on 29 February 1896 in the Valsad district, Desai pursued his higher education at Wilson College, Mumbai. His career began in government service, but he resigned his post as deputy collector in 1930. He subsequently joined the movement for Indian independence, aligning himself with Mahatma Gandhi. His commitment to the cause resulted in multiple periods of incarceration. By the time of his later provincial service, he had established himself as a prominent figure within the Indian National Congress in the Gujarat region.
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In 1952, Desai assumed the role of Prime Minister of the State of Bombay, holding the position until 1956. During this period, he navigated intense pressures regarding the linguistic reorganization of states. His administration faced significant public opposition over the status of Mumbai, a city he argued should remain separate to preserve its cosmopolitan character. These internal disputes preceded his eventual move to federal politics in New Delhi.
Cabinet Roles and Political Shifts
Desai held the positions of Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister between 1967 and 1969. Following the 1969 split of the Indian National Congress, he joined the INC(O) faction. He remained active in the Lok Sabha through the 1970s. After the Janata Party secured victory in the 1977 general elections, he was appointed Prime Minister, concurrently serving as the Minister of Home Affairs from 1978 to 1979.
Diplomacy and Retirement
As a peace activist, Desai sought to stabilize relations with neighboring nations, particularly following the 1974 nuclear testing. His efforts toward diplomatic normalization included outreach to Pakistan and China, aiming to avoid future armed conflicts. In 1990, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian honour of Pakistan. Following his departure from the office of Prime Minister in 1979, he eventually withdrew from active political life, receiving the Bharat Ratna in 1991.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 February 1896, Valsad district
- Died: 10 April 1995, Mumbai
- Education: Wilson College, Mumbai
- Prime Minister of India: 1977–1979
- Minister of Finance: 1967–1969
- Deputy Prime Minister: 1967–1969
- Highest Indian Honor: Bharat Ratna (1991)
- Highest Pakistani Honor: Nishan-e-Pakistan (1990)
Questions readers ask
Was Morarji Desai the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India?
Yes, he was the first person to hold the office of Prime Minister outside of the Indian National Congress party, serving from 1977 to 1979.
How long was his political career?
Desai was active in politics for several decades, beginning with his role in the independence movement and concluding with his term as Prime Minister, followed by retirement.
