The factional rivalry between the Syndicate and Indira Gandhi came to a head in 1969, marked by a significant event. Following the passing of President Zakir Hussain, the vacancy for the President of India emerged that year. Despite Indira Gandhi's reservations, the 'Syndicate,' a group within the Indian National Congress, successfully nominated her longstanding political rival and then-Speaker of the Lok Sabha, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections.
In response, Indira Gandhi took a decisive stance by urging the Vice-President at the time, V.V. Giri, to enter the race as an independent candidate. Simultaneously, she introduced several noteworthy and popular policy initiatives, including the nationalization of fourteen prominent private banks and the abolition of the 'privy purse'.
Notably, Morarji Desai, who held the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister during this period, found himself at odds with the Prime Minister on both of these crucial matters. These differences escalated to the point where Morarji Desai chose to resign from the government.
What portfolio was held by Morarji Desai in the year 1969 in the cabinet of Indira Gandhi?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option 2 - Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
As per the passage:
Notably, Morarji Desai, who held the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister during this period, found himself at odds with the Prime Minister on both of these crucial matters. These differences escalated to the point where Morarji Desai chose to resign from the government.