Konstantin Chernenko vs Morarji Desai

Chernenko launched minor economic reforms, including experiments in industrial management and anti-corruption campaigns. However, his poor health and conservative stance limited the scope and impact of these measures, which were overshadowed by later Gorbachev reforms.

Chernenko succeeded Yuri Andropov as General Secretary, becoming the leader of the Soviet Union. His election came after a prolonged illness of Andropov and marked a continuation of conservative policies.

Chernenko's government led a Soviet boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, citing security concerns and anti-Soviet sentiment in the US. The boycott was a retaliation for the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Chernenko died after only 13 months as General Secretary, due to emphysema and heart failure. His brief tenure was marked by stagnation and declining health, and he was succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev, who initiated sweeping reforms.

Desai's government enforced a nationwide prohibition policy, banning alcohol consumption and sale. The policy was based on his personal Gandhian beliefs but faced widespread non-compliance and was largely ineffective.

Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India, leading the Janata Party coalition government after the Emergency. His appointment marked the first time the Indian National Congress lost power at the national level.

Desai resigned as Prime Minister after losing majority support in the Lok Sabha due to defections and internal conflicts within the Janata Party. His resignation led to the fall of the first non-Congress government.

Morarji Desai was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for his contributions to public service. The award recognized his long political career and role as a non-Congress Prime Minister.