Recalling former PM's principle-based politics, PM Modi pays tribute to Morarji Desai on his 124th birth anniversary

New Delhi, February 29: Recalling the former PM's principle-based politics, PM Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Morarji Desai on his 124th birth anniversary. In a brief video posted on his Twitter handle, Modi said since the former prime minister was born on February 29, his birth anniversary is celebrated every four years.

The prime minister said Desai had the distinction of presenting maximum number of Union Budgets. "Salutations to former prime minister Morarji Bhai Desai on his birth anniversary. His politics was based on discipline and principles, for which he will always be remembered," Modi wrote on Twitter.

Born in Bulsar district of Gujarat in 1896, Desai was the prime minister between March 1977 and July 1979. Janata Party leader Desai had succeeded Indira Gandhi as the prime minister. During his long career in politics, he held many important posts in government such as Chief Minister of Bombay State, Home Minister, Finance Minister and 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of India.

 

On the international scene, Desai holds international fame for his peace activism and created efforts to initiate peace between two rival South Asian states, Pakistan and India. After India's first nuclear test in 1974, Desai helped restore friendly relations with China and Pakistan, and vowed to avoid armed conflict such as Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. He was honoured with the highest civilian award of Pakistan, the Nishan-e-Pakistan on 19 May 1990.