Morarji Desai

ModernPoliticianIndia1896 — 1995

First non-Congress prime minister of India.

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Quick Facts

Born

1896

Died

1995

Country

India

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)31

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score56.0

Morarji Desai — Complete Timeline

1977 AD

Implemented Prohibition PolicyReform

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.

ProhibitionSocial ReformGandhian Policy

Impact: national

Appointed Prime Minister of IndiaPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Indian PoliticsCoalition GovernmentPost-Emergency

Impact: nationalconstructive

1979 AD

Resigned as Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Indian PoliticsGovernment CollapseCoalition

Impact: nationaldestructive

1991 AD

Awarded Bharat RatnaCultural

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.

AwardRecognitionCivilian Honor

Impact: nationalconstructive