Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made an unexpected departure from a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026, opting for an autorickshaw instead of his official vehicle. The incident, captured in videos and photographs that quickly went viral, sparked widespread speculation.
Abdullah Explains Spontaneous Decision
Abdullah later clarified that his decision to take an auto was a spontaneous move to avoid a potential confrontation. He stated that after a National Conference protest demanding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, he noticed supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) following him.
"My walk from Jantar Mantar was about to turn into another procession so we grabbed the first available means of transport," Abdullah posted on X, explaining the unplanned exit.
He further elaborated, as quoted by The Times of India, that he observed Delhi police becoming "very jumpy" as more police vehicles arrived. Fearing that CJP supporters might be tear-gassed if people assumed he was leading them towards Rajpath and Parliament, he decided to quickly leave the area.
National Conference Demands Statehood
The protest, led by Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, was organized to reiterate the party's consistent demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. This demonstration is part of the National Conference's broader political campaign on the issue, drawing leaders and supporters from the Union Territory.
The area around Jantar Mantar was under heightened security due to other ongoing protests, contributing to a tense atmosphere and traffic restrictions in central Delhi at the time of the incident.
Social Media Reacts to Viral Auto Ride
Abdullah's unconventional departure quickly became a topic of discussion across social media platforms. Many users questioned why a Chief Minister would opt for public transport over his official convoy, prompting Abdullah's detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to his improvised exit.