Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai was an Indian independence activist and politician who served as prime minister from 1977 to 1979, leading India’s first non-Congress national government.

Jayaprakash Narayan: An Indian independence activist and political leader who became a leading critic of Indira Gandhi’s government. His movement against Indira Gandhi helped bring together the opposition that formed Desai’s government.
Bombay Presidency: A British Indian administrative province that included much of present-day Maharashtra and Gujarat. Desai was born in the province’s Bhadeli village, in present-day Gujarat.
Emergency in India: The period from 1975 to 1977 when Indira Gandhi’s government curtailed civil liberties and ruled by decree. The backlash against the Emergency created the political opening that brought Desai to office.
Chief Minister of Bombay State: The head of government of Bombay State, a former Indian state that existed from 1950 to 1960. Desai held the post from 1952 until the state was reorganized in 1956.
Indira Gandhi: India’s prime minister from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984, whose leadership included the Emergency. Desai’s political ascent followed the defeat of Gandhi’s Congress after the Emergency.
Indian independence movement: The diverse political struggle that ended British rule in India in 1947. Desai joined the movement and left government service to participate in civil disobedience.
Janata Party: An Indian political party formed in 1977 through the merger of groups opposing Indira Gandhi’s government. Desai led its coalition government, whose internal divisions shaped his tenure.
Bombay State: An Indian state formed in 1950 and reorganized in 1960 into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Desai governed the state during a period of intense debate over its linguistic boundaries.
Charan Singh: An Indian politician who served as prime minister in 1979–1980 and led the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and Lok Dal. His rivalry with Desai fractured the Janata government and ended Desai’s premiership.
Salt March: A 1930 campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi against British control of salt production and taxation. Desai took part in civil disobedience associated with the campaign and was imprisoned.

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