Political Tensions Escalate: BJP Serves Rs 100 Crore Notice on J&K CM Over Poaching Claims

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has served a Rs 100 crore defamation notice on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, following his allegation that a BJP functionary attempted to poach one of his National Conference (NC) MLAs. The notice, issued on behalf of state BJP president Sat Sharma, demands an unconditional public apology within seven days and warns of civil and criminal proceedings if not complied with.

The allegation was made by Omar Abdullah on July 11 during an NC rally in Srinagar. He claimed that a BJP functionary, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, approached an NC MLA from Jammu with an offer of Rs 20 to Rs 30 crore, a ministerial berth, and a promise of statehood in exchange for defection.

BJP has dismissed the charge as "false, baseless, and defamatory," stating that it has caused serious damage to the party's reputation. The notice was sent via email and calls for an immediate cessation of such claims.

Omar Abdullah responded to the notice by calling it a "love letter" and a mark of respect, indicating that the BJP considers him a political force to be reckoned with. He accused the party of shifting the political battle to the courtroom, saying, "Instead of responding politically, they choose to hide behind the courts."

The Chief Minister also warned of a legal counter-offensive, stating that BJP functionaries in Jammu and Kashmir have made baseless and defamatory allegations against the NC and its leadership in recent months. "From now on, we will also begin the process of sending legal notices to BJP functionaries. Let’s see where this process leads," he added.

This development marks an escalation in political tensions between the BJP and the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, with both sides now threatening legal action.