Desai, Morarji Ranchhodji (môrärˈjē ränchōˈjē dĕsĪˈ) [key], 1896–1995, Indian political leader. He joined the government in 1956, becoming minister of finance (1958–63). He returned to government in 1967 as deputy prime minister and minister of finance, but in 1969 was maneuvered from office by Indira Gandhi and became leader of the conservative opposition. Leading an opposition coalition, he prevailed in the 1977 elections, ending Gandhi's emergency rule. He served as prime minister until 1979, when the coalition broke apart.
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