Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Plans Delhi Protest After BJP Defamation Notice

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of delaying the promised restoration of the region’s statehood and of attempting to bribe National Conference (NC) legislators with offers of Rs 20‑30 crore and ministerial berths. He announced a mass agitation in Delhi, with a protest scheduled at Jantar Mantar on July 20, to press the demand.

The BJP responded by serving a legal notice that labels Abdullah’s allegations “false, baseless and defamatory.” The notice demands a written withdrawal and an unconditional public apology within seven days, threatening civil and criminal defamation proceedings and a Rs 100 crore damages claim. Abdullah dismissed the notice, calling it a “love letter” and saying it shows the BJP cannot ignore his political force. He reaffirmed that the campaign will remain peaceful and democratic.

The dispute centres on the fulfillment of constitutional commitments made after delimitation and elections, with both sides trading accusations and legal threats ahead of the planned protest.