Morarji Desai: India’s First Non-Congress Prime Minister, Champion of Democracy, Integrity, and Economic Reform
Morarji Desai, the fourth Prime Minister of India, served from 1977 to 1979. A significant figure in Indian politics, Desai was the first leader from the opposition to become the Prime Minister after India’s independence. He remains a symbol of non-congress leadership and played a pivotal role in Indian political history. His leadership marked a break from the long dominance of the Congress Party, and he was known for his administrative acumen, strict principles, and firm stance on various social and political issues. Desai’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by major domestic and international developments, including economic reforms and relations with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and China.
Despite his relatively brief time in office, Desai’s contributions to India’s political landscape, economic policy, and foreign diplomacy are noteworthy. His disciplined lifestyle, commitment to Gandhian values, and distinctive approach to governance earned him both admiration and criticism. His legacy, although complex, is one of integrity and unwavering dedication to India’s progress.
Early Life and Background
Morarji Ranchhodji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, a small village in the Bulsar district of present-day Gujarat. He belonged to a Brahmin family of modest means. His father, Ranchhodji Desai, was a school teacher, and his mother, Vajiaben Desai, was a devout woman who played a crucial role in instilling values of discipline and simplicity in him. Morarji was the eldest of eight children, and from a young age, he exhibited traits of determination, self-discipline, and a commitment to education.
Desai attended the Bai Ava Bai High School in Valsad, where he excelled academically. He later pursued his college education at Wilson College in Mumbai, earning a degree in arts. Upon completing his education, he joined the British Indian Civil Services (ICS) in 1918, a prestigious career at the time. His work as a civil servant began in the state of Gujarat, where he developed a reputation for his strictness, integrity, and no-nonsense attitude.
Despite his career in the civil services, Desai felt increasingly drawn toward the Indian independence movement. The political atmosphere in the country, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, was charged with the desire for self-rule, and Desai decided to resign from the civil services in 1924 to dedicate himself fully to the cause of India's freedom. His decision marked the beginning of a long and eventful political career.
Political Rise
Morarji Desai's entry into politics coincided with India's struggle for independence. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC), which was the leading political force in the fight against British rule. Desai quickly rose through the ranks, particularly in the provincial Congress of Gujarat, due to his administrative capabilities and disciplined nature.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Desai became actively involved in the various civil disobedience movements spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned multiple times by the British for his involvement in these protests. His unwavering dedication to the cause of independence and his ability to maintain discipline in the face of adversity earned him the respect of his colleagues and leaders within the Congress Party.
After India's independence in 1947, Desai’s stature continued to rise. He was appointed the Chief Minister (then called Prime Minister) of Bombay State in 1952, a position he held until 1956. During his tenure, Desai focused on agricultural reforms, industrialization, and infrastructure development in Bombay, earning him a reputation as a capable and effective administrator. His conservative outlook on economic matters and his firm belief in discipline extended to his governance style, which was marked by austerity and efficiency.
In the post-independence period, Desai’s prominence in national politics grew further. In 1956, he was appointed the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In this role, Desai worked on expanding India’s industrial base, promoting indigenous industries, and facilitating trade. His conservative economic views often clashed with the more socialist outlook of Nehru and other leaders, but his competence ensured his continued influence within the government.
Major Political Positions
Over the next two decades, Morarji Desai held several key positions in the Indian government, solidifying his status as a senior statesman. Some of the significant positions he held include:
Chief Minister of Bombay State (1952–1956): As the head of Bombay State, Desai initiated significant reforms in agriculture, education, and industrial development. His tenure was marked by the reorganization of the state's administrative structure and an emphasis on public sector growth.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry (1956–1958): Desai’s tenure as Commerce and Industry Minister focused on boosting India’s trade and industrial output. He encouraged self-reliance and the growth of indigenous industries, though he often faced opposition from those who favored state-led economic planning.
Union Finance Minister (1958–1963 and 1967–1969): Perhaps Desai’s most influential position before becoming Prime Minister was his role as Finance Minister. His tenure was marked by fiscal conservatism, with a focus on reducing government deficits, curbing inflation, and maintaining economic discipline. His policies were sometimes criticized for being too rigid and out of touch with the needs of a developing economy, but his adherence to financial integrity remained uncompromised.
Deputy Prime Minister (1967–1969): Desai also served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India under Indira Gandhi. However, his tenure in this position was marred by increasing tensions with Gandhi, particularly over economic policy and political direction. Their differences eventually led to Desai’s resignation in 1969 after a bitter power struggle.
Political Philosophy and Ideology
Morarji Desai was a firm believer in Gandhian principles, particularly those of simplicity, self-discipline, and non-violence. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant India, free from foreign dominance and built on the principles of truth and non-violence. Desai believed that India’s development should be based on its rural economy and that industrialization, while necessary, should not come at the cost of agriculture or traditional livelihoods.
Economically, Desai was a conservative. He believed in fiscal discipline, balanced budgets, and the minimization of foreign aid and loans. His economic outlook often clashed with the more socialist policies of his contemporaries, particularly Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Desai was a strong proponent of free enterprise and believed that the private sector should play a leading role in the country’s economic development. However, his insistence on tight financial controls and austerity measures earned him the reputation of being inflexible and overly rigid.
Politically, Desai was a staunch opponent of authoritarianism. He believed in democratic principles and the rule of law, and his political career was marked by his resistance to any form of dictatorial power. His opposition to Indira Gandhi’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies during the 1970s, particularly during the Emergency, earned him a place as a key leader of the opposition movement. Desai’s democratic values eventually led to his election as Prime Minister after the Emergency, when the Congress Party was defeated in the 1977 general elections.
Significant Policies and Reforms
Morarji Desai’s tenure as Prime Minister was relatively brief, but it was marked by several significant policies and reforms:
Restoration of Democratic Institutions: One of Desai’s first actions as Prime Minister was to restore the democratic institutions that had been undermined during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule (1975-1977). He released political prisoners, lifted press censorship, and took steps to re-establish the rule of law.
Economic Reforms: Desai’s government focused on liberalizing the economy by reducing government control over industries and promoting private enterprise. His administration also worked towards reducing inflation, stabilizing the economy, and encouraging foreign investment, although his conservative fiscal policies limited the scope of these reforms.
Foreign Policy Initiatives: Desai is remembered for his attempts to improve relations with India’s neighbors, particularly Pakistan and China. In 1978, he took the unprecedented step of opening dialogue with Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq, which led to a thaw in relations between the two countries. His government also worked towards normalizing relations with China, which had been strained since the 1962 war.
Nuclear Policy: A staunch opponent of nuclear weapons, Desai’s government halted India’s nuclear weapons program. He believed that India should not become a nuclear-armed state and that the country’s resources should be directed toward economic and social development instead of military spending.
Impact on the Country
Morarji Desai’s impact on India was both significant and complex. His tenure as Prime Minister came at a time when the country was emerging from the authoritarian shadow of the Emergency, and his administration played a crucial role in restoring democratic values and constitutional norms. By lifting censorship, releasing political prisoners, and re-establishing the rule of law, Desai helped rebuild the foundations of Indian democracy.
Economically, his conservative approach had mixed results. While his fiscal discipline helped curb inflation and stabilize the economy, it was criticized for being too rigid and failing to address the needs of the poor and underprivileged. Desai’s refusal to embrace large-scale state intervention in the economy also limited the impact of his reforms on poverty and unemployment.
In foreign policy, Desai’s efforts to improve relations with Pakistan and China were a notable achievement, although they did not lead to lasting breakthroughs. His stance on nuclear disarmament, while principled, was seen by some as compromising India’s security interests in a volatile region.
Controversies and Challenges
Desai’s political career was not without controversies. One of the most significant challenges he faced was his ideological conflict with Indira Gandhi. This clash eventually led to his resignation as Deputy Prime Minister in 1969 and his emergence as a leading figure in the opposition. His rigid stance on various issues, including economic policy, often brought him into conflict with other leaders within the Congress Party.
As Prime Minister, Desai’s refusal to pursue India’s nuclear weapons program was a contentious decision, especially given the regional security dynamics with Pakistan and China. His government also faced criticism for being too conservative in its economic policies, failing to address pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Personal Life and Character
Morarji Desai was known for his austere lifestyle and strict adherence to Gandhian principles. He was a teetotaler and a vegetarian, and he practiced urine therapy, which became a subject of public controversy and media attention. Desai’s personal discipline extended to his political life, where he was known for his incorruptibility and straightforwardness.
Desai was deeply spiritual, and his adherence to principles of truth and non-violence shaped his approach to governance. However, his rigid adherence to these principles sometimes made him inflexible, and he was often perceived as being too stern and uncompromising.
Legacy
Morarji Desai’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered for his role in restoring democracy after the Emergency, his principled stance on nuclear disarmament, and his efforts to improve India’s relations with its neighbors. His economic policies, though conservative, laid the groundwork for later liberalization efforts in the 1990s.
Desai’s legacy as a leader of integrity and discipline remains an important part of Indian political history. While his tenure as Prime Minister was brief, his contributions to the country’s democratic institutions and his principled approach to governance left a lasting impact.
Awards and Honours
Morarji Desai received several awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to Indian politics and governance. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1991, in recognition of his lifelong service to the nation. Desai was also the recipient of several international honors, including awards from countries like Pakistan, which recognized his efforts to improve bilateral relations.
Global Influence
Desai’s global influence, particularly in the realm of nuclear disarmament, was significant. His principled opposition to nuclear weapons and his advocacy for peaceful relations between nations earned him international respect. His efforts to improve India’s relations with its neighbors, particularly Pakistan and China, were also seen as important contributions to regional stability.
Conclusion
Morarji Desai’s life and career were marked by his unwavering commitment to principles of truth, discipline, and non-violence. As India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister, he played a crucial role in restoring democratic values and governance in the post-Emergency period. Though his tenure as Prime Minister was short, his impact on India’s political and economic landscape was significant. Desai’s legacy as a leader of integrity, discipline, and democratic values continues to be remembered and respected in Indian political history.