Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir issues a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over allegations that the BJP attempted to “poach” National Conference MLAs. Multiple outlets report that the notice comes after Abdullah makes claims that a BJP functionary sought to contact or influence his party’s legislators. BJP spokespersons say the allegations are “false, baseless and defamatory,” and the party demands that Abdullah either provide concrete proof of the charge or issue an unconditional public apology. The notice also asks Abdullah to cease and desist from repeating the statements. Sources report that the BJP sets a seven-day deadline for a written retraction and apology, and warns of civil and criminal proceedings, including a potential ₹100-crore defamation suit, if its demands are not met.
Abdullah dismisses the notice, with reports saying he views it as a political document and responds by indicating that the National Conference will pursue counter legal action against BJP leaders for past statements that he characterizes as unfounded and slanderous.
