This is the front page of The Indian Express published on September 16, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made it clear that she was not changing the present system of government to bring in the presidential system. She pointed out that the debate was not started by the Congress (I). But when asked whether the issue could be discussed, she had thought it would be wrong to say there should be no discussion because not merely intellectuals, but the general public should study these matters.
Doordarshan jubilee
The press conference addressed by the Information and Broadcasting Minister, H K L Bhagat, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of Doordarshan, was marked by some unpleasantness. Bhagat said the charge that the Opposition was not given adequate coverage was false and baseless. The matter would have ended there but for Bhagat’s insinuation that the journalist’s question was toeing the line of opposition parties.
Andhra bandh
The Andhra Pradesh bandh called by the all-party action committee demanding the dismissal of the “minority” Bhaskara Rao ministry and reinstatement of N T Rama Rao as chief minister was near-total and peaceful. The Director General of Police, M Mahender Reddy, told ENS that the bandh passed off peacefully and that there were no incidents.
Assam floods
The Army was called out to assist the civil administration in rescue and relief operations in Nalban town and several other areas in Assam, now in the grip of floods. Pratul Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup district, told PTI that the Army was expected to move into Nalban town and other affected areas any moment as the situation in the town was reported to be alarming.
