The controversy began after Omar Abdullah, while addressing a National Conference workers' convention in Srinagar, alleged that BJP leaders had approached some NC MLAs with offers ranging between ₹20 crore and ₹30 crore, ministerial positions and even assurances of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in an attempt to destabilise the elected government. He claimed the alleged exercise resembled the BJP's much-discussed "Operation Lotus" strategy seen in other states, but asserted that none of his party legislators would switch sides.

Responding sharply, BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi described the allegations as "baseless" and "highly irresponsible." He said a sitting Chief Minister could not make such serious accusations without supporting evidence and demanded that Abdullah either identify the individuals involved and present proof or issue a public apology.

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit echoed the demand. Party spokesperson R.S. Pathania questioned why the Chief Minister had not lodged a formal complaint if any attempt to bribe legislators had actually taken place. He asked Abdullah to disclose which MLA was allegedly approached, who made the offer, and when and where the incident occurred. The BJP maintained that allegations of political bribery could not be made without credible evidence and warned that legal action would follow if the claims remained unsubstantiated.

The ruling National Conference, however, has stood by the Chief Minister's remarks. Omar Abdullah reiterated that attempts were being made to weaken his government but insisted that the party's legislators would not betray the mandate given by the people. He said the NC remained united and accused the BJP of trying to secure power through political engineering rather than electoral support.

The exchange has intensified political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, where the National Conference-led government has been in office since the Assembly elections. Allegations of attempts to engineer defections have surfaced periodically in Indian politics, often drawing comparisons with the so-called "Operation Lotus" label used by opposition parties to describe alleged efforts to bring down rival governments through defections. The BJP has consistently rejected such accusations across states.

Political observers believe the latest confrontation is likely to sharpen the ongoing contest between the ruling National Conference and the BJP in the Union Territory. While the NC has portrayed the allegations as an attempt to protect the people's mandate, the BJP has accused the Chief Minister of making sensational claims to divert attention from governance issues.

No evidence supporting the alleged offers has been made public so far, and no formal investigation has been announced into the claims. With the BJP threatening defamation proceedings and the National Conference standing by its allegations, the political dispute is expected to remain in focus in the coming days.