This is the front page of The Indian Express published on August 5, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi accused some foreign powers of working against the country’s interest by sowing seeds of discord and inspiring riots. Addressing a public meeting, she said some foreign nationals were being misled and pressured to work on parochial lines. Mrs Gandhi urged Congressmen to teach a lesson to the opposition during the Lok Sabha elections as it was against national interest to permit parties to spread regionalism.
Karnataka Defections
S Bangarappa, Kranti Ranga leader, has been luring Janata Party members with promises of office if they crossed over and helped him form an alternate ministry in the state, Chief Minister Rama Krishna Hegde told The Indian Express. In an interview, Hegde said Bangarappa has sent word to “my party members that if they joined him they would all be made ministers.”
Olympic Milestone
Rising 19-year-old Indian track star Shiny Abraham ran the race of her life to qualify for the 800 metres women’s semi-final — the first ever Indian woman to achieve the distinction — on the opening day of the track and field events of the 23rd Olympics at the Coliseum Stadium in Los Angeles. In the 20 km walk, Asian gold medallist Chind Ram finished 22nd in a field of 38.
Flood Relief In UP
The Army was called in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh for flood relief following a breach in Sohgaura-Malauni embankment, the district magistrate, R P Sinha said. The PAC had been provided with motor boats to help the marooned villagers. Flood situation in Ballia and Azamgarh districts of the state continued to be grim with the Army assisting the civil authorities in rescue and relief operations.
