Love Letter From BJP": Omar Abdullah Dismisses Rs 100 Cr Defamation Threat With Sarcasm.

WHAT HAPPENED:

The political fight between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the BJP escalated on Monday after the BJP served Abdullah a legal notice.

BJP's demand: Provide evidence for his recent "poaching" allegations against the party, or issue an unconditional public apology within 7 days.  

Warning: If not, the BJP said it will file a Rs 100 crore defamation suit.

OMAR ABDULLAH'S RESPONSE:

Addressing reporters at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Abdullah brushed off the notice. 

He called the notice  which he said he received electronically a "love letter"from the BJP."I consider this a great honour because I am the only politician in Jammu and Kashmir who has been bestowed with a love letter like this from the BJP. I consider it a mark of respect that I am obviously a political force they cannot ignore."

Abdullah did not back down from his allegations and used the legal notice to claim the BJP sees him as a key opposition force in J&K.

BACKGROUND:

The "poaching" charge refers to Abdullah's recent claims that the BJP was trying to induce defections and destabilize his government in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has denied the allegations and called them baseless, leading to the defamation notice.

This is the latest flashpoint between the NC-led J&K government and the BJP at the Centre.