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Prime Ministers of India (1947–2026): Complete List, Tenure, Spouse, Children, Achievements, Major Events, Scandals and Controversies

The Prime Minister of India is the head of the Union government and the central political executive in India's parliamentary system. Although the President i...

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Updated 23 Aug 2026 20 min read 0 total views

The Prime Minister of India is the head of the Union government and the central political executive in India's parliamentary system. Although the President is the constitutional head of the Union, the Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and plays the leading role in government policy, administration and political leadership.

Under Article 75(1) of the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. In practice, the President normally appoints the person who is able to command the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

India has had 15 individuals serve as Prime Minister if Gulzarilal Nanda's two periods as acting Prime Minister are included as one individual. Narendra Modi is the incumbent Prime Minister as of August 2026. He was appointed for his third consecutive term in June 2024.

Important note about “scandals” in this article: A political controversy, allegation or scandal associated with a Prime Minister's government does not automatically mean that the Prime Minister personally committed wrongdoing. This article therefore distinguishes between personal allegations, controversies surrounding an administration, court findings, political disputes and proven wrongdoing. Allegations should not be treated as established facts unless supported by a final judicial or official finding.

Quick List of Prime Ministers of India

No.	Prime Minister	Tenure
1	Jawaharlal Nehru	15 Aug 1947 – 27 May 1964
Acting	Gulzarilal Nanda	27 May 1964 – 9 Jun 1964
2	Lal Bahadur Shastri	9 Jun 1964 – 11 Jan 1966
Acting	Gulzarilal Nanda	11 Jan 1966 – 24 Jan 1966
3	Indira Gandhi	24 Jan 1966 – 24 Mar 1977
4	Morarji Desai	24 Mar 1977 – 28 Jul 1979
5	Charan Singh	28 Jul 1979 – 14 Jan 1980
3	Indira Gandhi	14 Jan 1980 – 31 Oct 1984
6	Rajiv Gandhi	31 Oct 1984 – 2 Dec 1989
7	V. P. Singh	2 Dec 1989 – 10 Nov 1990
8	Chandra Shekhar	10 Nov 1990 – 21 Jun 1991
9	P. V. Narasimha Rao	21 Jun 1991 – 16 May 1996
10	Atal Bihari Vajpayee	16 May 1996 – 1 Jun 1996
11	H. D. Deve Gowda	1 Jun 1996 – 21 Apr 1997
12	I. K. Gujral	21 Apr 1997 – 19 Mar 1998
10	Atal Bihari Vajpayee	19 Mar 1998 – 22 May 2004
13	Manmohan Singh	22 May 2004 – 26 May 2014
14	Narendra Modi	26 May 2014 – Present

The Government of India's official former-prime-ministers archive confirms these historical tenure periods.

1. Jawaharlal Nehru

Tenure: 15 August 1947 – 27 May 1964
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Kamala Nehru
Children: One surviving daughter, Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi

Short Introduction

Jawaharlal Nehru was independent India's first Prime Minister and remains one of the most influential figures in the formation of modern India.

He was a major leader of the Indian independence movement and became Prime Minister when India became independent on 15 August 1947.

His government emphasized parliamentary democracy, scientific development, industrialisation, public-sector institutions, higher education and a largely non-aligned foreign policy.

Nehru married Kamala Kaul in 1916. Their daughter Indira Priyadarshini later became Prime Minister herself. Government historical records also note that Kamala gave birth to a premature baby boy who did not survive.

Major Events

Important events associated with the Nehru era include:

Integration and consolidation of the newly independent nation
First Five-Year Plans
Creation and expansion of major scientific and educational institutions
Non-Aligned Movement and Panchsheel diplomacy
Kashmir conflict
1961 liberation of Goa
1962 Sino-Indian War

Major Controversies

Nehru's handling of China and the 1962 Sino-Indian War remains one of the most debated aspects of his premiership.

The Mundhra financial scandal of the 1950s also became a major parliamentary controversy during his government and ultimately resulted in Finance Minister T. T. Krishnamachari's resignation. It should not, however, be represented as proof that Nehru personally participated in the financial wrongdoing.

2. Gulzarilal Nanda – Acting Prime Minister

First Acting Term: 27 May 1964 – 9 June 1964
Second Acting Term: 11 January 1966 – 24 January 1966
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Lakshmi Devi
Children: Three – two sons and one daughter

Short Introduction

Gulzarilal Nanda is unique in Indian political history because he served twice as acting Prime Minister, each time following the death of a sitting Prime Minister.

He first assumed responsibility following Jawaharlal Nehru's death and again after Lal Bahadur Shastri's death.

His periods in office were transitional rather than full political mandates.

Biographical sources record his wife as Lakshmi Devi and his family as two sons and one daughter.

Controversies

Nanda's extremely short caretaker periods are not associated with a major personal corruption scandal. His principal role was to provide continuity until the Congress selected a new leader.

3. Lal Bahadur Shastri

Tenure: 9 June 1964 – 11 January 1966
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Lalita Shastri
Children: Six

Short Introduction

Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru and became India's second full-time Prime Minister.

He is particularly remembered for the slogan:

“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”

His premiership coincided with the 1965 India-Pakistan War and major challenges relating to food security.

He married Lalita Devi in 1927. The official Prime Minister of India biography records the marriage and describes his famously modest approach to dowry.

Major Events

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Promotion of agricultural self-sufficiency
Strengthening of India's defence
Tashkent Agreement

Controversies

Shastri was not generally associated with a major personal corruption scandal as Prime Minister.

His sudden death in Tashkent on 11 January 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration, has generated speculation and conspiracy theories for decades. However, speculation should not be presented as established evidence of assassination.

4. Indira Gandhi

First Tenure: 24 January 1966 – 24 March 1977
Second Tenure: 14 January 1980 – 31 October 1984
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Feroze Gandhi
Children: Two sons – Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi

Short Introduction

Indira Gandhi was India's first and, so far, only woman Prime Minister.

She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and became one of the most powerful Prime Ministers in Indian history.

She married Feroze Gandhi in March 1942 and had two sons.

Major Events

Nationalisation of major banks
1971 India-Pakistan War
Creation of Bangladesh
1974 Pokhran-I nuclear test
Green Revolution expansion
Operation Blue Star
Emergency of 1975–1977

Major Controversies

The biggest controversy of her political career was unquestionably the Emergency (1975–1977).

During this period:

Civil liberties were severely restricted
Political opponents were arrested
Press censorship was imposed
Constitutional and institutional powers were heavily centralised
Forced sterilisation campaigns became a major political and human-rights controversy

Another major turning point was the Allahabad High Court judgment of 1975, which found electoral malpractice in her 1971 election and invalidated her election, subject to the subsequent legal and political developments.

Her son Sanjay Gandhi's political influence and the Maruti project also generated major controversy.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984 by two of her bodyguards following the turbulent events surrounding Operation Blue Star.

5. Morarji Desai

Tenure: 24 March 1977 – 28 July 1979
Political Party: Janata Party
Spouse: Gujraben Desai
Children: Five

Short Introduction

Morarji Desai became the first Prime Minister who did not belong to the Indian National Congress.

His government came to power following the Emergency and attempted to restore democratic and institutional safeguards.

The official PM biography states that Desai married Gujraben in 1911 and that they had five children.

Major Events

Restoration of civil liberties after the Emergency
Constitutional changes intended to prevent future abuse of Emergency powers
Improved relations with neighbouring countries
Janata Party's experiment with coalition-style governance

Controversies

Desai's government was plagued primarily by internal political conflict among Janata Party leaders.

His son Kanti Desai faced allegations relating to influence and business dealings. Such allegations should be distinguished from proven personal wrongdoing by Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Political disputes and factionalism ultimately contributed to the government's collapse.

6. Charan Singh

Tenure: 28 July 1979 – 14 January 1980
Political Party: Janata Party (Secular) / associated political formation
Spouse: Gayatri Devi
Children: Six – five daughters and one son

Short Introduction

Charan Singh was an influential leader of India's farmers and rural political movements.

He became Prime Minister after Morarji Desai but headed a government dependent on outside political support.

Charan Singh and Gayatri Devi had six children, including politician Ajit Singh.

A Unique Historical Fact

Charan Singh is remembered as the Prime Minister who never faced Parliament for a confidence vote as Prime Minister.

Congress initially offered outside support but withdrew it before the confidence vote.

Controversies

His brief premiership was dominated more by political instability and coalition manoeuvring than by a major established personal corruption scandal.

7. Rajiv Gandhi

Tenure: 31 October 1984 – 2 December 1989
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Sonia Gandhi
Children: Two – Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Short Introduction

Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi.

At age 40, he became India's youngest Prime Minister.

He promoted computerisation, telecommunications, technological modernisation and administrative reforms.

Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi had two children, Rahul and Priyanka.

Major Events

Expansion of computers and telecommunications
Anti-defection legislation
Assam Accord
Punjab Accord
Indian Peace Keeping Force deployment in Sri Lanka

Bofors Controversy

The Bofors arms deal became the most damaging political controversy of Rajiv Gandhi's premiership.

Allegations emerged that illegal commissions or kickbacks had been paid in connection with India's purchase of artillery guns from Swedish manufacturer Bofors.

The scandal severely damaged the government's public image.

It is important to distinguish political allegations surrounding the deal from a judicial finding that Rajiv Gandhi personally received a bribe; he was not convicted of corruption in the Bofors matter.

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991 during an election campaign.

8. Vishwanath Pratap Singh – V. P. Singh

Tenure: 2 December 1989 – 10 November 1990
Political Party: Janata Dal
Spouse: Sita Kumari
Children: Two sons

Short Introduction

V. P. Singh built much of his national political reputation around an anti-corruption platform.

Before becoming Prime Minister, he had served as Finance Minister and Defence Minister.

He and Sita Kumari had two sons.

Major Events and Controversies

The defining decision of his premiership was implementation of recommendations of the Mandal Commission, providing reservations for Other Backward Classes in central government employment.

The decision triggered:

Nationwide protests
Student agitation
Intense debate over caste and reservation
Major changes in India's political landscape

The Mandal decision was an enormously controversial public-policy decision, but describing it as a “corruption scandal” would be inaccurate.

His government eventually fell after the BJP withdrew support amid the political conflict surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and L. K. Advani's Rath Yatra.

9. Chandra Shekhar

Tenure: 10 November 1990 – 21 June 1991
Political Party: Samajwadi Janata Party
Spouse: Duja Devi
Children: Two sons

Short Introduction

Chandra Shekhar headed a minority government supported externally by the Congress.

His government operated during an extremely difficult economic period when India's foreign-exchange reserves were critically low.

Major Events

India's economic crisis became so serious that the country had to take extraordinary measures involving its gold reserves to raise foreign currency.

These developments preceded the much larger economic reforms introduced during the succeeding Narasimha Rao government.

Major Controversy

The government collapsed after Congress accused the government of surveillance of Rajiv Gandhi's residence.

Congress withdrew its support, making continuation of the minority government impossible.

This was fundamentally a political and governmental controversy rather than a proven personal financial corruption case against Chandra Shekhar.

10. P. V. Narasimha Rao

Tenure: 21 June 1991 – 16 May 1996
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Spouse: Satyamma Rao
Children: Eight – three sons and five daughters

The official PM biography confirms that Rao was a widower and father of three sons and five daughters.

Short Introduction

Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao became Prime Minister during one of India's most severe economic crises.

Working with Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, his government initiated the landmark 1991 economic liberalisation programme.

Major Achievements

Economic liberalisation
Industrial delicensing
Reduction of many trade restrictions
Greater foreign investment
Financial-sector reforms
Shift away from extensive Licence Raj controls

Major Controversies

Rao's tenure was associated with several major controversies.

One was the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) bribery case, involving allegations that MPs were bribed in connection with a 1993 no-confidence motion.

Rao faced legal proceedings and was initially convicted by a trial court, but he was subsequently acquitted on appeal by the Delhi High Court.

His government was also heavily criticised over its handling of the Babri Masjid demolition on 6 December 1992.

It is therefore particularly important when discussing Rao to distinguish between allegations, lower-court proceedings, subsequent acquittal and political responsibility.

11. Atal Bihari Vajpayee

First Term

16 May 1996 – 1 June 1996

His first government lasted only about 13 days because he could not establish a parliamentary majority.

Later Government

19 March 1998 – 22 May 2004

Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party
Marital Status: Never married
Biological Children: None
Family: He treated Namita Bhattacharya as his adopted/foster daughter.

Short Introduction

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the founding figures of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a highly prominent parliamentarian.

The official Prime Minister archive records his brief 1996 premiership and his later period leading the NDA government.

Major Events

Pokhran-II nuclear tests – 1998
Lahore bus diplomacy
Kargil War – 1999
Expansion of national highways
Golden Quadrilateral project
Telecommunications reforms
Growth of coalition politics under the NDA

Major Controversies

Several controversies occurred during the Vajpayee government, including:

Tehelka defence sting controversy
Coffin procurement allegations connected with the Kargil period
Political controversy surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots

These controversies involved different ministers, officials, governments and political actors. They should not automatically be interpreted as proof of personal corruption by Vajpayee.

12. H. D. Deve Gowda

Tenure: 1 June 1996 – 21 April 1997
Political Party: Janata Dal
Spouse: Chennamma
Children: Six – four sons and two daughters

Short Introduction

Haradanahalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda previously served as Chief Minister of Karnataka before unexpectedly emerging as Prime Minister of a United Front coalition government.

Official parliamentary biographical information records his wife as Chennamma and his children as four sons and two daughters.

Controversies

His government depended on outside support from Congress.

The principal problem confronting the government was political stability rather than a major proven personal corruption scandal against Deve Gowda during his premiership.

Congress eventually withdrew support, leading to the fall of his government.

13. Inder Kumar Gujral

Tenure: 21 April 1997 – 19 March 1998
Political Party: Janata Dal
Spouse: Sheila/Shiela Gujral
Children: Two sons – Naresh and Vishal Gujral

Short Introduction

I. K. Gujral was a diplomat, politician and former External Affairs Minister who became Prime Minister after Deve Gowda.

The official PM biography records his marriage to Shiela Gujral on 26 May 1945.

Gujral Doctrine

His most important foreign-policy legacy is the Gujral Doctrine, which advocated constructive relations with India's smaller South Asian neighbours.

Major Political Controversy

His government became embroiled in the political consequences of the Jain Commission investigation relating to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.

Congress demanded action concerning the DMK's participation in the government and eventually withdrew support.

The controversy brought down the government but was not a personal corruption scandal involving Gujral.

14. Dr. Manmohan Singh

Tenure: 22 May 2004 – 26 May 2014
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Coalition: United Progressive Alliance – UPA
Spouse: Gursharan Kaur
Children: Three daughters – Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh

Short Introduction

Dr. Manmohan Singh was an economist, academic, civil servant and former Finance Minister.

As Finance Minister under P. V. Narasimha Rao, he played a central role in implementing India's 1991 economic reforms.

He subsequently served two consecutive terms as Prime Minister, from 2004 to 2014. The official PM archive records his tenure as 22 May 2004 to 26 May 2014.

Major Developments

High economic growth during significant portions of the UPA period
Right to Information Act
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee programme
India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement
Expansion of social-sector programmes
Aadhaar project initiated during the UPA period

Major Scandals and Controversies During UPA

The UPA government faced several high-profile controversies, particularly during its second term.

These included:

2G Spectrum case

Allegations relating to the allocation of 2G telecommunications licences became a huge political controversy. A special CBI court later acquitted all accused in the principal criminal trial in 2017.

Coal-block allocation controversy

Allocation of coal blocks became another major political and legal issue, with the Supreme Court eventually cancelling numerous coal-block allocations.

Commonwealth Games controversy

Allegations of corruption and financial irregularities surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games also damaged the government's image.

These matters contributed to the perception of “policy paralysis” and corruption surrounding UPA-II.

However, it is important to state that Manmohan Singh himself was not convicted of personal corruption in these major scandals.

15. Narendra Modi

First Term: 26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
Second Term: 30 May 2019 – 9 June 2024
Third Term: 9 June 2024 – Present
Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party
Coalition: National Democratic Alliance
Spouse: Jashodaben Modi
Children: None publicly documented

Short Introduction

Narendra Damodardas Modi previously served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 before becoming Prime Minister.

The BJP secured a Lok Sabha majority in 2014 and again in 2019.

In the 2024 general election, the BJP did not obtain a majority by itself, but the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured sufficient support to form the government. President Droupadi Murmu appointed Narendra Modi Prime Minister under Article 75(1), and he began his third consecutive term on 9 June 2024.

As of August 2026, official Government of India information continues to identify Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.

Major Policies and Events

His premiership has included:

Make in India
Digital India
Swachh Bharat Mission
Goods and Services Tax implementation
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
Demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes in 2016
Expansion of digital payments and UPI
Abrogation of Article 370's special-status provisions relating to Jammu and Kashmir
Citizenship Amendment Act
COVID-19 pandemic management
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
G20 presidency
Infrastructure expansion
Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing initiatives

Major Controversies

2002 Gujarat Riots

Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the 2002 Gujarat riots has remained one of the most intensely debated issues associated with his political career.

A Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team investigated allegations concerning a larger conspiracy. In 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the SIT closure report.

Therefore, criticism and political debate about Modi's role should be distinguished from claims of criminal guilt that were not established through that process.

Rafale Aircraft Deal

The purchase of Rafale fighter aircraft from France generated significant political allegations regarding pricing and procurement.

The Supreme Court declined to order the investigation sought by petitioners and subsequently dismissed review petitions.

Consequently, the Rafale issue can accurately be described as a major political controversy, but allegations should not be presented as proven personal corruption by Modi.

Demonetisation

The 2016 demonetisation decision remains heavily debated regarding its economic benefits, costs, implementation and effect on the informal economy.

It was a policy controversy rather than a personal corruption scandal.

Farmers' Protests

The three farm laws enacted in 2020 triggered large-scale farmer protests. The government eventually repealed the laws in 2021.

Prime Ministers by Political Party

Indian National Congress

Prime Ministers from Congress or Congress-led political traditions include:

Jawaharlal Nehru, Gulzarilal Nanda, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.

Bharatiya Janata Party

The BJP has produced two Prime Ministers:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.

Other Prime Ministers came from the Janata Party, Janata Dal and related political formations.

Interesting Facts About Indian Prime Ministers

First Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru

First woman Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi

First non-Congress Prime Minister: Morarji Desai

Youngest Prime Minister: Rajiv Gandhi, who became PM at age 40.

Only woman Prime Minister so far: Indira Gandhi

Acting Prime Minister twice: Gulzarilal Nanda

Prime Minister who never faced a confidence vote as PM: Charan Singh

Prime Minister with the shortest initial government: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 1996 government lasted about 13 days.

Prime Minister associated with 1991 economic liberalisation: P. V. Narasimha Rao, with Finance Minister Manmohan Singh.

Prime Minister for two consecutive UPA terms: Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister serving a third consecutive term as of 2026: Narendra Modi

Prime Ministers and Their Families – Quick Reference

Prime Minister	Spouse	Children
Jawaharlal Nehru	Kamala Nehru	1 surviving child
Gulzarilal Nanda	Lakshmi Devi	3
Lal Bahadur Shastri	Lalita Shastri	6
Indira Gandhi	Feroze Gandhi	2
Morarji Desai	Gujraben Desai	5
Charan Singh	Gayatri Devi	6
Rajiv Gandhi	Sonia Gandhi	2
V. P. Singh	Sita Kumari	2
Chandra Shekhar	Duja Devi	2
P. V. Narasimha Rao	Satyamma Rao	8
Atal Bihari Vajpayee	Never married	No biological children
H. D. Deve Gowda	Chennamma	6
I. K. Gujral	Sheila Gujral	2
Manmohan Singh	Gursharan Kaur	3
Narendra Modi	Jashodaben Modi	None publicly documented

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

1. Who was the first Prime Minister of India?

Jawaharlal Nehru was independent India's first Prime Minister. He served from 15 August 1947 until his death on 27 May 1964.

2. Who is the Prime Minister of India in 2026?

As of August 2026, Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. Official Government of India information current in August 2026 confirms him as Prime Minister.

3. When did Narendra Modi's third term begin?

Narendra Modi was appointed Prime Minister following the 2024 Lok Sabha election and was sworn in for his third consecutive term on 9 June 2024.

4. Who served longest as Prime Minister of India?

Jawaharlal Nehru remains India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, holding office from 15 August 1947 until 27 May 1964.

5. Who was India's first woman Prime Minister?

Indira Gandhi became India's first woman Prime Minister on 24 January 1966. She served during two separate periods.

6. How many women have become Prime Minister of India?

Only one woman, Indira Gandhi, has served as Prime Minister of India so far.

7. Who served twice as acting Prime Minister?

Gulzarilal Nanda served twice as acting Prime Minister – first after Jawaharlal Nehru's death and again after Lal Bahadur Shastri's death.

8. Which Prime Minister gave the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”?

Lal Bahadur Shastri is associated with the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”

9. Which Prime Minister introduced economic liberalisation in 1991?

The major reforms began under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, with Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister.

10. Which Indian Prime Minister was an economist?

Dr. Manmohan Singh was a professional economist who served as Finance Minister before becoming Prime Minister.

11. Which Prime Minister conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests?

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in May 1998.

12. Which Prime Minister was in office during the 1975 Emergency?

Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister when the Emergency was imposed in June 1975.

13. Which Prime Minister was associated with the Bofors controversy?

The Bofors controversy became a major political issue during Rajiv Gandhi's government. It is important not to equate the political allegations surrounding the deal with a criminal conviction of Rajiv Gandhi personally.

14. Which Prime Minister implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations?

Prime Minister V. P. Singh's government announced implementation of important Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990.

15. Which Prime Minister was in office during the Kargil War?

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister during the 1999 Kargil War.

16. Which Prime Minister served two complete consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014?

Dr. Manmohan Singh served from 22 May 2004 until 26 May 2014.

17. Did Atal Bihari Vajpayee have a wife?

No. Vajpayee never married.

18. Did Atal Bihari Vajpayee have children?

He had no biological children. Namita Bhattacharya was regarded as his adopted/foster daughter.

19. How many children did P. V. Narasimha Rao have?

He had eight children – three sons and five daughters, according to the official Prime Minister of India biography.

20. How many children did H. D. Deve Gowda have?

Deve Gowda and Chennamma have six children – four sons and two daughters.

21. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?

The President of India appoints the Prime Minister under Article 75(1) of the Constitution.

Normally, the person capable of commanding majority support in the Lok Sabha is appointed.

22. Is the Prime Minister directly elected by the people of India?

No.

Indian citizens elect their Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and ordinarily must command the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

23. Can a Prime Minister serve more than two terms in India?

Yes.

The Constitution of India does not impose a two-term limit on the office of Prime Minister.

A Prime Minister may continue for additional terms as long as constitutional and parliamentary requirements are satisfied.

24. Can a Rajya Sabha member become Prime Minister?

Yes.

A Prime Minister does not necessarily have to be a Lok Sabha member. For example, Manmohan Singh was a Rajya Sabha member while serving as Prime Minister.

Under Article 75(5), a minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament for six consecutive months ceases to be a minister after that period unless elected or nominated to Parliament as constitutionally applicable.

25. Has any Indian Prime Minister been assassinated while in office?

Yes. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984 while serving as Prime Minister.

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991, but he was not Prime Minister at the time.

Conclusion

The history of India's Prime Ministers reflects the development of the world's largest democracy from a newly independent country in 1947 into a major global political and economic power.

Jawaharlal Nehru established many of the early institutions and policies of independent India. Lal Bahadur Shastri led the country during the 1965 war. Indira Gandhi combined major geopolitical achievements with the deeply controversial Emergency. Morarji Desai headed India's first non-Congress national government.

The short governments of Charan Singh, V. P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, H. D. Deve Gowda and I. K. Gujral illustrate the complexity of coalition politics.

Rajiv Gandhi promoted technological modernisation but saw his administration politically damaged by the Bofors controversy. P. V. Narasimha Rao, together with Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, presided over the historic economic reforms of 1991.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee helped establish the BJP as a durable national governing party and led India through the Pokhran-II tests and Kargil War. Manmohan Singh subsequently led the UPA for ten years and presided over significant economic and social-policy changes, although his second government was politically damaged by multiple corruption controversies involving the administration.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister since 2014, began a third consecutive term on 9 June 2024 and remains Prime Minister as of August 2026.

When studying the history of India's Prime Ministers, it is particularly important to separate documented historical events and judicial findings from political allegations, accusations, disputed interpretations and unproven claims. Political controversies are part of the historical record, but association with a controversy does not by itself establish personal guilt.