biography
| name: |
Desai, Morarji (Ranchhodji)
|
pronunciation:
[daysiy]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1896–1995)
|
| biography:
| Indian statesman and prime minister (1977–9), born in Gujarat, W India. He studied at Bombay University, became a civil servant, and entered politics in 1930. After various ministerial posts, he was a candidate for the premiership in 1964 and 1966, but was defeated by Indira Gandhi. He became deputy prime minister in 1969 to lead the Opposition Congress Party. Detained during the state of emergency (1975–7), he was then appointed leader of the newly-formed Janata Party, and elected premier. The Janata government was, however, characterized by internal strife, and he was forced to resign. |
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