Which Prime Minister died at the age of 99

Morarji Desai holds the distinction of being the longest-lived Indian Prime Minister, passing away at the age of 99 years and 8 months on April 10, 1995. He served as India's fourth Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979, leading the Janata Party government that came to power after defeating Indira Gandhi's Congress Party in the aftermath of the Emergency period. Desai was already 81 years old when he became Prime Minister, making him the oldest person to assume that office in Indian history. His longevity was remarkable, and he attributed it to his disciplined lifestyle, including strict vegetarianism, yoga, and his controversial practice of urine therapy, which he believed contributed to his health and long life.

Born on February 29, 1896, Desai had a long and distinguished career in Indian politics and the independence movement. He served as Chief Minister of Bombay State (now Maharashtra and Gujarat) and held several important positions in Jawaharlal Nehru's and Lal Bahadur Shastri's cabinets before becoming a rival to Indira Gandhi within the Congress Party. After the Emergency ended, he became a symbol of democratic resistance and led the Janata Party to victory in 1977. Though his government collapsed in 1979 due to internal conflicts within the coalition, his contribution to Indian politics and his role in restoring democracy after the Emergency remain significant. His achievement of living to nearly 100 years while remaining mentally active and engaged with public affairs until his final years remains unmatched among Indian Prime Ministers.