Ex-Indian Prime Minister An American Spy? Do You Know This PM Was Accused Of Being CIA Mole?

The accusation against Morarji Desai aused a political uproar in India, leading to significant media coverage and intense debates in political circles. Desai, who served as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them baseless and defamatory. He asserted his commitment to India's sovereignty and independence throughout his political career. 

The Indian government at the time took the allegations seriously, and there were calls for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth. However, concrete evidence to support Hersh's claims was never presented, leaving the matter unresolved. Many of Desai's supporters viewed the accusations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and discredit his political legacy.

Morarji Desai responded to the allegations by filing a defamation lawsuit against Seymour Hersh in a U.S. court. The lawsuit aimed to clear his name and challenge the credibility of the claims made in the book. The legal battle highlighted the complexities of international defamation cases and the difficulties in proving or disproving such serious accusations.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the allegations against Desai, though never proved, continued to linger in the public consciousness, casting a shadow over his tenure as Prime Minister. The controversy underscored the challenges faced by political figures in maintaining their reputations amidst allegations of espionage or collusion with foreign entities.

Ultimately, the episode remains a significant but unresolved chapter in India's political history. It serves as a reminder of the potential impact of international journalism and the delicate balance between transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual reputations in the political arena.