Prime Ministers of India

Jawaharlal Nehru (Tenure1947-1964 )
The first Prime Minister of Independent India. He was born in 1889. An intellectual who laid the foundation for a better India. Author of the famous book 'The discovery of India'. Elected from the Congress party from the Allahabad constituency in 1952.  Died in 1964.  Read more about him....

Gulzarilal Nanda (May - June, 1964 'acting')
A Gandhian and veteran labour leader, was born in 1898. He held several portfolios in the Union Cabinet. Received 'Bharat Ratna' in 1997. Elected from the Congress party from the Sabarkantha constituency.  Died in 1998.

Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966)
A great Indian statesman and freedom fighter, born in 1904.  He acquired the title 'Shastri' from Kashi Vidya Peetha'. The slogan 'Jai Jawan and Jai Kisan' was introduced by him. Elected from the Congress party from the Allahabad constituency. Died in 1966.

Gulzarilal Nanda (11-24, January,1966 'acting')
A Gandhian and veteran labour leader, was born in 1898. He held several portfolios in the Union Cabinet.  Received 'Bharat Ratna' in 1997. Elected from the Congress party from the Sabarkantha constituency. Died in 1998.

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Indira Gandhi (1966-1977)
Daughter of  the first P.M. of India Jawaharlal Nehru, was born at Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 1917. India's first women Prime Minister. Awarded 'Bharat Ratna' in 1971.  Her bold polices led India to victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. Elected from the Congress party from the Rae Bareilly constituency (1967,1971).  Assassinated in 1984. Read more about her...

Morarji Desai (1977-1979)
First non-congress party Prime Minister of India, was born in 1896.  He served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1952-56.  A staunch Gandhian and naturalist. Occupied the positions as Union Minister, Deputy Prime minister and Finance Minister. Elected from the BLD party from the Surat constituency. Awarded Bharat Ratna in1991. He passed away in 1995.

Charan Singh (1979-1980)
He was born in 1902.  Occupied the position of President of Lok Dal for many years.  He was the Deputy Prime Minister during Janata regime. Elected from the BLD party from the Baghpat constituency Died in 1987.

Indira Gandhi (1980-1984)
She was again elected as the Prime Minister in 1980. Elected from the Congress party from the Medak constituency. She was shot dead in 1984 at her residence. she encouraged 'scientific development' in the country.

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Rajiv Gandhi (1984-1989)
Youngest Prime Minister of the World's largest democratic country, was born in 1944. Son of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Elected from the Congress party from the Amethi (1981,1984) constituency. A commercial pilot turned politician, was assassinated during an election campaign in 1991. He was awarded with  'Bharat Ratna' posthumously. Read more about him....

Viswanath Prathap Singh (1989-1990)
He was the Union Minister in Janata party ministry, a senior leader of Janata Dal. He was born in 1931. A renowned painter. Elected from the Janata Dal party from Fathepur constituency. Served as Prime Minister from 1989-90.

Chandrashekhar (1990-1991)
He was born in 1927.  A parliamentarian, socialist and serving as President of Socialist Janata Party from 1977. Elected from the Janata Dal party from Ballia constituency.

P.V.Narasimharao (1991-1996)
He was born in 1921.  Served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971-73, External Affairs Minister, Defence Minister and Human Resources Minister in Congress Government from 1980 onwards and later as the Prime Minister. Elected from the Congress party from the Nandyal (by-election) constituency.

A.B.Vajpayee (16. 5.1996 - 1.6.1996)
A brilliant parliamentarian, orator, poet and journalist, Freedom fighter and social worker, was born in 1924.  Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha(1993). Elected from the BJP party from the Gandhinagar constituency. Founder member Jan Sangh, former President BJP.  Received Padma Vibhushan, Best Parliamentarian award.

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H.D.Devegowda (1.6.1996 - 21.4.1997)
He was born in 1933.  Elected as a Rajya Sabha Member from the UF party. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Janata Dal leader.

I .K.Gujaral (21.4.1997 - 18.3.1998)
He was born in 1919.  Formerly in Union Cabinet from 67 - 76 and 89 - 90.  Elected as a Rajya Sabha Member from the UF party. Minister of External Affairs (89-90, 96-97), Ambassador to USSR (76 - 80).

A.B.Vajpayee (19.3.1998-13.10.1999)
Again elected as the Prime Minister from the BJP party from the Lucknow constituency (1998, 1999). Over the decades, the veteran has emerged as a national leader who has mass appeal and commands respect for his liberal worldview and commitment to democratic ideals. Read more about him....

Dr.Manmohan Singh (22-5-2004-till date) 
Present Prime Minister of India. Best known as ' father of Indian Reforms'. An academician, he has taught in several universities and also held various positions in the government service. Former Finance Minister (1991) under the Congress government.  Read more about him....

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