Cockroach Janta Party removes spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya after viral video sparks backlash

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has removed its spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya from the post after a viral video purportedly showing him at a Burger King outlet during the party's 'Chalo Sansad' protest triggered widespread criticism on social media.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party condemned Dahiya's conduct, saying his actions were "deeply insensitive" at a time when party workers and protesters were allegedly facing police action during the demonstration in Delhi.

"We strongly condemn the deeply insensitive actions of our spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya, whose videos surfaced while peaceful protestors 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 party said.


The CJP added that it was removing Dahiya as its spokesperson and relieving him of all official responsibilities.

Viral burger video fuels online debate

The controversy began after a video purportedly showing Dahiya at a Burger King outlet inside a mall near the protest site went viral on social media. The clip prompted criticism from some users, who questioned why a senior party functionary appeared to be away from the protest while demonstrators were on the streets.

However, the timing of the video and the circumstances in which it was recorded could not be independently verified.

The row unfolded against the backdrop of the party's 'Chalo Sansad' march, which saw clashes between protesters and security personnel after demonstrators attempted to move from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament during the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

Dahiya defended himself

As the video gained traction, Dahiya responded in an Instagram video, saying he had been working continuously for the movement for nearly one and a half months and had spent several days participating in protests.

He claimed he had barely slept over the previous two nights and argued there was nothing wrong with eating if he was hungry.

Dahiya also said he eventually decided not to eat the burger after learning it contained refined flour and trans fats.

Rejecting criticism over the viral clip, he maintained that he had participated in the protest and left only after the march concluded.

"Nobody pays me to participate in the protest," he said, adding that he was involved in the movement for the country.

Addressing calls for an apology, Dahiya remained defiant, saying, "Yes, I will eat the burger."

His response further divided opinion online, with some arguing that protest leaders are entitled to eat and take breaks during long demonstrations, while others said the optics of the viral video undermined the party's message.

The controversy has now culminated in Dahiya's removal as the Cockroach Janta Party's spokesperson.