Morarji Ranchhodji Desai

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai , 1896-1995, Indian political leader. He joined the government in 1956, becoming minister of finance (1958-63). He returned to government in 1967 as deputy prime minister and minister of finance, but in 1969 was maneuvered from office by Indira Gandhi and became leader of the conservative opposition. Leading an opposition coalition, he prevailed in the 1977 elections, ending Gandhi's emergency rule. He served as prime minister until 1979, when the coalition broke apart.

Desai, Morarji (Ranchhodji) (1896–1995) Indian statesman and nationalist leader. After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, he was a strong contender for the post of Prime Minister, but his austere and autocratic style made him too many enemies within the Congress Party. In 1977 he was the obvious candidate to lead the Janata opposition to Mrs Gandhi and led his party to victory in the election of that year. As Prime Minister (1977–79) his inflexible style handicapped him in dealing with the economic and factional problems which confronted him and he resigned in 1979.