Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 1

Morarji Desai served as a CM of ..... under Nehru Cabinet

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the political career of Morarji Desai during the Nehru era.

Correct Answer: C) Bombay

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Morarji Desai was a prominent Indian politician who played a significant role in the Indian National Congress and later in the Janata Party. He served as the Chief Minister of Bombay state under the Nehru Cabinet, which is the correct answer to this question. To understand this context, it is important to delve into the political history of India during the mid-20th century.

During the Nehru era, which spanned from 1947 to 1964, India was under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. Nehru's government was characterized by a strong central government and a focus on socialist policies. Morarji Desai, who was a member of the Indian National Congress, held various positions within the party and the government. One of his significant roles was serving as the Chief Minister of Bombay state, which is now known as the state of Maharashtra.

Morarji Desai's tenure as the Chief Minister of Bombay was from 1952 to 1956. During this period, he was known for his strict and principled approach to governance. His leadership in Bombay was marked by efforts to improve the state's administration and infrastructure. This period was crucial in shaping his political career and setting the stage for his later roles in national politics.

It is important to note that Morarji Desai's political career was not limited to his time as the Chief Minister of Bombay. He later served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Indira Gandhi's government. However, his most notable achievement came in 1977 when he became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India, leading the Janata Party coalition government.

Understanding the political landscape of India during the Nehru era and the roles of key figures like Morarji Desai is essential for comprehending the evolution of Indian politics. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and state PSC, where questions on Indian political history are common.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Morarji Desai did not serve as the Chief Minister of Gujarat under the Nehru Cabinet. He was associated with the state of Bombay during this period.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Morarji Desai did not serve as the Chief Minister of Bihar under the Nehru Cabinet. His political career in this period was centered in Bombay.
  • Option C: Correct. Morarji Desai served as the Chief Minister of Bombay under the Nehru Cabinet. This was a significant part of his political career before he became the Prime Minister of India.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Morarji Desai did not serve as the Chief Minister of Kerala under the Nehru Cabinet. His political career in this period was centered in Bombay.

Mnemonic: Remember "B" for Bombay and "B" for Bhartiya Jana Sangh (Morarji Desai's party).

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