Desai ministry (Bombay State)

The Desai ministry refers to the government of Bombay State headed by Chief Minister Morarji Desai. Desai served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State during two distinct periods: the first from 1952 to 1956, and the second from 1956 until the state was reorganized in 1960. His tenure was marked by efforts towards industrial and agricultural development, as well as social reforms.

Desai's policies focused on strengthening the cooperative movement, land reforms, and improvements in education and public health. He was also known for his strict administrative approach and emphasis on fiscal discipline. His government faced challenges related to linguistic divisions within the state, eventually leading to the reorganization of Bombay State into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960. The reorganization was a direct consequence of movements advocating for separate states based on linguistic identity. Desai's handling of these linguistic tensions, particularly the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, was a significant aspect of his time as Chief Minister.