Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964)
Achievements:
First PM of India, built a strong democratic base.
Started IITs, ISRO, and large industries.
Promoted secularism and modern education.
Flaws:
Slow economic growth due to socialist policies.
Poor defense strategy during 1962 China war.
Gulzarilal Nanda (Acting PM – 1964, 1966)
Achievements:
Maintained political stability after Nehru and Shastri's deaths.
Flaws:
Too short a term to make lasting impact.
Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964–1966)
Achievements:
Led India in the 1965 war with Pakistan.
Gave the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan".
Promoted food security.
Flaws:
Died early; short time as PM.
Indira Gandhi (1966–1977, 1980–1984)
Achievements:
Led India to victory in 1971 war, helped create Bangladesh.
Pokhran Nuclear Test (1974): Made India a nuclear power.
Nationalized banks to help poor people and farmers.
Abolished Privy Purses (royal family payments).
Introduced 20-point economic programme to reduce poverty.
Supported Green Revolution for more food grain production.
Known as “Iron Lady of India” for her bold leadership.
Flaws:
Declared Emergency (1975–77): Suspended elections, jailed opponents, and restricted freedom of speech.
Forced sterilization campaign during Emergency hurt her image.
Operation Blue Star (1984): Army attack on Golden Temple hurt Sikh sentiments.
Morarji Desai (1977–1979)
Achievements:
Ended Emergency period.
Promoted anti-corruption and simplicity.
Improved relations with Pakistan and China.
Flaws:
Internal fights in his party.
Weak economic leadership.
Charan Singh (1979–1980)
Achievements:
Focused on farmers’ rights.
Flaws:
Government lasted only a few months.
Rajiv Gandhi (1984–1989)
Achievements:
Modernized India with computers and telecom.
Lowered voting age to 18.
Started public welfare programs and Panchayati Raj reforms.
Flaws:
Bofors scam reduced his popularity.
Poor decisions in Sri Lanka (sending Indian army) led to conflict.
V. P. Singh (1989–1990)
Achievements:
Implemented Mandal Commission: reservations for OBCs.
Fought corruption.
Flaws:
Reservation decision led to large protests.
Short, unstable government.
Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991)
Achievements:
Handled a foreign exchange crisis.
Flaws:
Only 7 months in office; not much impact.
P. V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996)
Achievements:
Opened Indian economy (with Manmohan Singh).
Helped India survive a major financial crisis.
Improved foreign relations.
Flaws:
Did not stop Babri Masjid demolition.
Seen as inactive during communal riots.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998–2004)
Achievements:
Pokhran nuclear tests (1998).
Built Golden Quadrilateral highways.
Introduced Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for education.
Improved ties with the US and Pakistan.
Flaws:
Criticized for response to 2002 Gujarat riots.
H. D. Deve Gowda (1996–1997)
Achievements:
Focused on rural and agricultural issues.
Flaws:
Weak central leadership.
I. K. Gujral (1997–1998)
Achievements:
Created Gujral Doctrine for peaceful foreign policy with neighbors.
Flaws:
Couldn’t control coalition government issues.
Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004–2014)
Achievements:
Maintained steady economic growth.
Signed Indo-US nuclear deal.
Created MNREGA, RTI Act, and RTE Act for rights and welfare.
Flaws:
Criticized as a weak leader.
Corruption scandals like 2G and CWG hurt his government.
Narendra Modi (2014–present)
Achievements:
Removed Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir).
Launched Digital India, Make in India, Swachh Bharat.
Built highways, airports, and better foreign relations.
Introduced UPI and promoted online payments.
Flaws:
Demonetization in 2016 caused economic problems.
Criticized for handling of COVID-19 and farm laws protests.