PM of India in 1977?
VerifiedAnswer: Shri Morarji Desai
Explanation:
Shri Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of India in 1977, marking a significant turning point in Indian politics. He was the leader of the Janata Party, which was formed as a coalition of opposition parties that came together to challenge the Indian National Congress after the controversial Emergency period (1975-1977).
The 1977 general elections were held after the Emergency was lifted by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Indian public, tired of the authoritarian rule during the Emergency, voted overwhelmingly against the Congress party. The Janata Party secured a decisive victory, and Morarji Desai was chosen as the Prime Minister on March 24, 1977.
Morarji Desai was not new to Indian politics. He had been a senior leader in the Congress party for decades and had served as Deputy Prime Minister under Indira Gandhi until 1969. He was known for his strict principles, simple lifestyle, and strong advocacy for prohibition. At the age of 81 when he became Prime Minister, he was one of the oldest people to assume this office in Indian history.
His tenure as Prime Minister lasted from March 1977 to July 1979. During his time in office, he focused on restoring democratic institutions and civil liberties that had been curtailed during the Emergency. However, his government faced challenges due to internal conflicts within the Janata Party coalition and economic difficulties.
Morarji Desai's appointment as Prime Minister in 1977 was historically significant as it marked the first time a non-Congress government came to power at the center since India's independence in 1947. This demonstrated the maturity of Indian democracy and showed that power could be transferred peacefully through elections, even after a period of authoritarian rule.
