BJP issues Rs 100-cr defamation notice to J&K CM over ‘MLA poaching’ charges

Jammu, July 13: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Monday served a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his claim that the national party had attempted to bribe National Conference legislators with cash and ministerial berths in a bid to topple his government.
Calling the allegations “false, baseless and defamatory,” the BJP has demanded a written retraction and an unconditional public apology within seven days. It has warned that failure to comply will result in civil and criminal proceedings, including a defamation suit seeking Rs 100 crore in damages.
The chief minister, while addressing National Conference (NC) workers at Hazratbal last week, alleged that the BJP is trying to bring down his government by engineering a split in his party. Abdullah also claimed that an NC MLA from Jammu told him that he was offered Rs 20-30 crore and a ministerial berth to switch sides to the saffron camp.
The notice contends that the chief minister’s statements have caused serious damage to the reputation and public standing of the BJP and its office-bearers.
The legal notice asserts that the allegations amount to defamation under both civil and criminal law and calls upon the chief minister to withdraw his charges in writing.
“Issue an unconditional public apology within seven days of receiving the notice. Refrain from publishing or circulating any further defamatory material concerning the BJP. Immediately cease and desist from making or repeating any such statements,” it said.
The BJP has warned that if the demands are not complied with within the stipulated period, it will initiate appropriate civil and criminal proceedings before a competent court.
Meanwhile, Abdullah on Monday said he feels honoured to have received a “love letter” in the form of a legal notice from the BJP as it proves that he is a political force they cannot ignore.
Abdullah said he was expecting a political response from the BJP since he had made a political statement; however, they chose the legal route. (PTI)