BJP’s Legal Notice a ‘Love Letter’, Says CM Omar Abdullah; Vows Legal Response

Srinagar, July 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday described the legal notice served on him by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a “love letter,” saying it was proof that the party considers him a political force it cannot ignore. The BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit issued the legal notice after Abdullah alleged that the party had attempted to lure National Conference (NC) legislators with cash and ministerial positions in an effort to topple his government. The notice warns of a Rs 100 crore defamation suit if he fails to substantiate the allegations or issue a public apology. Responding to the notice, Abdullah told reporters at the NC headquarters in Srinagar that he regarded it as a badge of honour. “I consider this a great honour as I am the only politician in Jammu and Kashmir to have received such a ‘love letter’ from the BJP. It shows they cannot ignore me as a political force,” he said. The Chief Minister said he had expected a political rebuttal to his remarks but accused the BJP of choosing the legal route instead. He alleged that the party prefers to shift political battles to the courts rather than engage in political debate. Abdullah also claimed that several BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have made what he described as baseless and defamatory allegations against the National Conference and its leadership in recent months. He said the NC had so far responded politically but would now begin issuing legal notices to certain BJP leaders. The BJP’s legal notice demands that Abdullah withdraw his allegations in writing, issue an unconditional public apology within seven days, refrain from making any further defamatory statements against the party, and immediately cease repeating such claims.