Morarji Desai: The Unyielding Gandhian and India’s First Non-Congress Prime Minister

Morarji Desai: The Unyielding Gandhian and India’s First Non-Congress Prime Minister

Introduction

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (1896–1995) was one of India’s most influential political figures, known for his austere lifestyle, strong moral principles, and unwavering commitment to Gandhian ideals. His political career, spanning over five decades, saw him in multiple powerful positions, including the Chief Minister of Bombay State, Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and the 4th Prime Minister of India (1977–1979).

Desai remains an enigmatic figure in Indian history—a stern disciplinarian, an incorruptible administrator, and an advocate of nuclear non-proliferation. However, his career was also marked by deep political rivalries, particularly with Indira Gandhi and within the Congress party, leading to his eventual break from Congress and his rise as the leader of India’s first non-Congress government.

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Life and Personal Background

Birth and Family

Morarji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, Gujarat, into a Brahmin family. His father, Ranchhodji Desai, was a school teacher, and his upbringing was strict and disciplined.

From a young age, he was drawn to Gandhian principles of truth, honesty, and self-discipline. This rigid adherence to truthfulness became a defining trait of his personality.

Education and Civil Services Career

He completed his education at Wilson College, Mumbai, and later joined the civil services under British rule as a Deputy Collector. However, in 1930, he resigned from his post to join the Indian freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership.

Personal Life

Morarji Desai was married to Gujraben Desai, and the couple had children, including Kantibhai Desai, who later became active in politics. His personal life was deeply rooted in simplicity and discipline:

• He was a strict vegetarian and a staunch teetotaler.
• He practiced urine therapy, claiming it had significant health benefits, which became a controversial topic in later years.
• He followed yoga, fasting, and naturopathy for maintaining good health and lived to be 99 years old.

Morarji Desai’s Principles & Personality

• Fiercely honest: He was known for his uncompromising honesty, which sometimes made him rigid and politically inflexible.
• Austere and simple: He rejected material excess, living a humble life despite holding high offices.
• Blunt and straightforward: His outspoken nature often created political friction, but he never compromised on his moral beliefs.
• Gandhian influence: He believed in truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), and self-reliance (Swadeshi), which guided his governance style.

His extreme discipline and rigid adherence to moral values often made him an inflexible leader, which shaped both his political rise and fall.

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Political Rise and Role in Congress

Chief Minister of Bombay (1952–1956)

After independence, Desai quickly rose in Congress ranks. As Chief Minister of Bombay State, he was:

• A strict and disciplined administrator.
• Opposed to the linguistic reorganization of states, which led to tensions.
• Eventually, Bombay was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.

Finance Minister (1958–1963) and Deputy Prime Minister (1967–1969)

Desai became India’s Finance Minister and was known for:

• Fiscal discipline and strict economic policies.
• Opposition to socialist policies and excessive government spending.
• Reducing tax evasion and corruption in financial sectors.

However, his rivalry with Indira Gandhi intensified during this time.

Congress Split (1969) & Political Rivalry with Indira Gandhi

The turning point came in 1969 when Indira Gandhi, in a strategic move, nationalized banks without consulting Desai. This triggered a split in Congress, with Indira forming Congress (R) and Desai leading Congress (O) (the old guard).

• Indira’s Congress (R) promoted a socialist agenda, aligning with the Soviet Union.
• Desai’s Congress (O) upheld traditional economic policies, favoring private enterprise.

The rivalry intensified when Indira dismissed Desai’s faction from power, leading to his political exile for almost a decade.

Emergency & The Fall of Indira Gandhi (1975–1977)

In 1975, Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, during which thousands of opposition leaders were arrested, including Morarji Desai.

• His arrest made him a symbol of resistance against dictatorship.
• The anti-Indira movement grew stronger, leading to Congress’s defeat in the 1977 elections.

The Janata Party coalition (formed by anti-Indira opposition leaders) won the elections, and Morarji Desai became India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister at the age of 81.

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Prime Minister of India (1977–1979)

Major Achievements

1. Restored Democracy – Repealed Emergency-era laws, reinstated civil liberties, and strengthened press freedom.
2. Nuclear Non-Proliferation – Halted India’s nuclear weapons program, preferring diplomacy over military aggression.
3. Improved Relations with Pakistan and China – Became the first Indian PM to receive Pakistan’s highest civilian honor (Nishan-e-Pakistan).
4. Economic and Anti-Corruption Measures – Promoted transparency and cut down government corruption.

Failures & Challenges

1. Infighting in the Janata Party – His government was unstable, with clashes between Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Hindutva elements (RSS and Jana Sangh) within the party clashed with his secular stance.
2. Rigid Leadership Style – Unwilling to compromise, leading to loss of support. Struggled to hold the coalition together.
3. Economic Challenges – India faced inflation and economic instability, but his government was too short-lived to bring reforms.

In 1979, his government collapsed after Charan Singh withdrew support, forcing Desai to resign as Prime Minister.

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Later Life and Legacy

Retirement & Final Years

After resigning, Morarji Desai retired from politics. He continued to advocate for Gandhian values, simple living, and disciplined habits.

• Lived a life of spiritual discipline and continued urine therapy, claiming it contributed to his longevity.
• He refused government pensions and privileges, remaining a self-sufficient and independent leader.
• Passed away at 99 years old on April 10, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, integrity, and political courage.

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Legacy: The Good & The Bad

The Positive Legacy

✅ Restored India’s Democracy – Ended Indira’s Emergency rule, reinforcing democratic values.
✅ Anti-Corruption Measures – Enforced financial discipline and government transparency.
✅ Nuclear Non-Proliferation – Advocated global peace over arms race.
✅ Improved India-Pakistan Relations – First Indian PM to receive Nishan-e-Pakistan award.

Criticism & Controversies

❌ Too Rigid & Uncompromising – His inflexibility alienated allies, leading to his downfall.
❌ Failed to Unite Janata Party – Coalition collapsed due to internal conflicts.
❌ Halted India’s Nuclear Development – Many criticized his soft stance on nuclear weapons.
❌ Opposition to Indira’s Policies – Some argue that he opposed socialism without providing a better alternative.

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Conclusion: A Leader Ahead of His Time?

Morarji Desai was a fiercely independent, incorruptible leader who played a crucial role in shaping post-Emergency India. Though his rigidity and political miscalculations led to his downfall, he remains a symbol of democracy, honesty, and discipline.