The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a legal notice seeking ₹100 crore in defamation damages from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his recent allegations that the party attempted to lure National Conference (NC) legislators with huge financial incentives. The notice describes Abdullah’s statements as “false, baseless, malicious and defamatory” and accuses him of making serious allegations without evidence, claiming they have harmed the BJP’s reputation and public image.

The legal notice, sent through Advocate Parimoksh Seth on behalf of BJP Jammu and Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Paul Sharma, demands that Abdullah withdraw his remarks in writing and issue an unconditional public apology within seven days. The BJP has warned that failure to comply with these demands could result in legal proceedings. According to the party, the Chief Minister’s comments have damaged its dignity and credibility by portraying it as attempting to engineer defections through unethical means.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Omar Abdullah during a commemorative gathering held at Naseem Bagh to mark the 26th death anniversary of his grandmother, Begum Akbar Jehan. During the event, Abdullah alleged that BJP leaders had offered National Conference MLAs between ₹20 crore and ₹30 crore, along with ministerial positions and assurances of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, in an attempt to persuade them to switch sides. The BJP has categorically rejected the allegations and is now pursuing legal action against the Chief Minister.