Morarji Desai Birth Anniversary: Lesser-known facts about the Former PM

Born on February 29 1896 former Prime Minister Morarji Desai was a key figure in defining Indias political environment and government Born in 1896 in Bhadeli now in the Bulsar district of Gujarat Desais life journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his significant contributions to the nationMorarji Desai Birth Anniversary Desais political careerDesais political career spanned several decades during which he held numerous key positions including the Chief Minister of Bombay State Finance Minister of India and ultimately the Prime Minister of India His tenure as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979 marked a crucial period in Indias political history as he became the first nonCongress Prime Minister to lead the nationDesais leadership style was characterised by his integrity simplicity and dedication to Gandhian principles A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi he advocated for ethical governance decentralisation of power and grassroots development His emphasis on selfreliance and austerity endeared him to the masses and earned him the moniker of the Man of Cleanliness due to his personal habits and anticorruption stanceDuring his tenure as Prime Minister Desai implemented several significant policy reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and promoting social welfare His government introduced measures to curb inflation rationalise taxes and promote industrial growth Desais commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent economic management laid the groundwork for Indias economic liberalisation in the subsequent decadesMorarji Desai Birth Anniversary Here are some interesting facts about the former PMDuring his political journey he took charge of many posts in the government starting with the Chief Ministership of Bombay State in 1952 then he was elected as Indiarsquos Minister for Commerce and Industry in the year 1956 and as a finance minister in 1958 Later on in 1967 Desai joined Indira Gandhirsquos cabinet as Deputy Prime MinisterMorarji Desai was a loyal Congressman in his fivedecadelong political career but in 1969 he joined party dissenters against Prime Minister Indira Gandhirsquos ruleIn 1975 Indira Gandhi declared an Emergency after which Desai was arrested and detained He was later released in January 1977In the 1977 polls the Janata Party humbled Indira Gandhi and the Congress with Desai being elected as the party leader Morarji Desai then became Indiarsquos first nonCongress PMDesai had then assured to end poverty in 10 years and ban alcohol but his government didnrsquot last long He had to resign after 28 months in office as a revolt brimmed against him in the Janata PartyHe was known for his simplicity and austere lifestyle Morarji Desai was also a vegetarianMorarji Desai was awarded the NishanePakistan Pakistanrsquos highest civilian award in 1988Desai attended the University of Mumbai and joined the provincial civil service of Bombay as a minor functionary in 1918 He resigned from the job in 1930 and joined Mahatma Gandhirsquos civil disobedience movementIn 1937 Morarji became the Minister for Revenue Agriculture Forest and Cooperatives in the first Congress Government under Chief Minister BG Kher in the then Bombay ProvinceMorarji served as the Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha from Surat constituency from 1957 to 1980