**Oldest PM of India?**
Verified**Explanation:**
Morarji Desai holds the distinction of being India's oldest Prime Minister, having assumed office at the remarkable age of 81 years and 23 days on March 24, 1977. Born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli village of Gujarat, Desai's appointment as PM came after a long and distinguished political career spanning several decades.
Desai became Prime Minister following the Janata Party's victory in the 1977 general elections, which marked the end of the Emergency period imposed by Indira Gandhi. His rise to power was particularly significant as it represented the first time a non-Congress government came to power at the center since India's independence in 1947.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Desai had an extensive political background. He served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State (now Maharashtra and Gujarat) from 1952 to 1956 and later held important positions in the central government, including Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister under Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri respectively.
During his tenure as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979, Desai focused on restoring democratic institutions and civil liberties that had been curtailed during the Emergency. His government also emphasized economic reforms and tried to address the issues of corruption and authoritarian governance that had emerged during the previous administration.
Desai was known for his simple lifestyle, strict discipline, and adherence to Gandhian principles. He was a teetotaler and practiced yoga regularly, which contributed to his longevity and active political career well into his eighties. His commitment to personal integrity and clean governance made him a respected figure across party lines.
Although his government faced several challenges, including internal conflicts within the Janata Party coalition, Desai's appointment as the oldest Prime Minister remains a testament to his enduring political relevance and the trust placed in his leadership abilities despite his advanced age. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 99, having witnessed nearly a century of India's transformation.
