The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday removed its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, from all official responsibilities after videos purportedly showing him at a burger outlet during the party’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest in Delhi circulated widely on social media.
In a statement, the party described Dahiya’s actions as “deeply insensitive” and said they were inconsistent with the values of the movement, particularly at a time when protesters and party members were allegedly facing police action.
“We strongly condemn the deeply insensitive actions of our spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya, whose videos surfaced while peaceful protesters and our team were facing brutal police violence. Such conduct is unacceptable, shows a complete lack of judgment, and is wholly inconsistent with the values and principles of our movement,” the CJP said.
The party announced that Dahiya had been removed as spokesperson and relieved of all official responsibilities with immediate effect.
Burger video triggers controversy
The controversy erupted after a video, widely shared on social media, appeared to show Dahiya at a popular burger outlet in a Delhi mall while the CJP’s protest march towards Parliament was taking place on Monday.
The footage prompted criticism online, with several users questioning why a senior party representative was at a restaurant when protesters were allegedly being detained and injured during clashes with police.
Another viral clip showed a group confronting Dahiya at the outlet, asking why he was eating a burger instead of standing alongside protesters.
The timing of the videos and the circumstances under which they were recorded have not been independently verified.
Dahiya responds
Responding to the criticism, Dahiya said he had participated in the protest and left only after the march had concluded.
“Why did I eat a burger? Because I was hungry. I hadn’t slept for two nights while working for the movement,” he said in a video posted on social media.
He explained that he had returned home to freshen up after the protest before stopping for food.
“What people don’t see is that I haven’t slept for two nights. Neither have those who are part of the protest,” he added.
In the caption accompanying the video, Dahiya claimed that he eventually chose not to eat the burger because it contained refined flour and trans fats and instead opted to eat elsewhere.
He also defended his participation in the movement, stating, “No one pays me to participate in the protest. I’m doing this for the country.”
Earlier controversies
The burger video is not the first controversy involving Dahiya. He had previously faced criticism on social media over remarks related to transgender people and comments suggesting that most women are “not political.”
CJP protest continues
The action against Dahiya comes as the CJP continues its agitation at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and question paper leaks.
The movement intensified after police used force to stop protesters marching towards Parliament on Monday, leading to detentions and injuries. The incident has also triggered a political confrontation, with several Opposition parties demanding accountability over the police action and calling for reforms in the examination system.
