In January 1977, after eighteen months of Emergency, the government decided to hold elections. Accordingly, all the leaders and activists were released from jail. Elections were held in March 1977. This left the opposition with very little time, but political developments took place very rapidly. The major opposition parties had already been coming closer in the pre-Emergency period. Now they came together on the eve of the elections and formed a new party.

Who was the First Prime Minister belonging to a non-Congress party?

Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai was the first Prime Minister belonging to a non-Congress party.

Morarji Desai (1896-1995) was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle, known for his dedication to Gandhian principles. He was a strong advocate of Khadi, naturopathy, and prohibition. Morarji Desai served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State and later as Deputy Prime Minister from 1967 to 1969. Following the split in the Congress party, he joined the Congress (O) faction. Notably, he made history by becoming the Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979, marking the first time a non-Congress party member held this position.