Who is Vijeta Dahiya, the Cockroach Janta party spokesperson sacked over burger video?

A burger has set off a storm within the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as it continues to protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. On Tuesday (July 21), the satirical political group removed one of its spokespersons, Vijeta Dahiya, from his position after videos showing him eating a burger during the group’s protest march to Parliament went viral.

The group announced its decision on X, stating that it did not reflect the CJP’s principles.

The burger-eating controversy and his subsequent ouster have put the spotlight on Dahiya, who was made spokesperson on June 3.

Who is Vijeta Dahiya?

On June 3, the CJP had named Dahiya as one of its spokespersons along with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

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At the time, the CJP described him as an individual with extensive experience in political research and strategic analysis. Several media reports also stated that he had contributed research and writing support to content creator Dhruv Rathee.

An alumnus of Delhi Technological University, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions, Dahiya also has dabbled in writing and movie-making. He is the author of two books, Power of Universe and To Hell With That Job. He has also written and directed the Haryanvi films Darare and Opri Parai.

On social media, Dahiya has described himself as an admirer of figures such as Bhagat Singh, Swami Vivekananda, Rosa Luxemburg and Buddha.

Why has CJP removed Dahiya as spokesperson?

On July 21, amid the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, CJP announced that it was relieving Dahiya of all “the official duties” after outrage built over a video showing him eating a burger during Monday’s Chalo Sansad march.

“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 judgement, and is wholly inconsistent with the values and principles of our movement,” said the CJP on X.

The CJP said that it had removed Dahiya as its spokesperson and stripped him of all responsibilities.

Dahiya’s removal as CJP spokesperson came after a video went viral which showed him eating a burger amid the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. In the video, people can be heard questioning why he was at the restaurant while party supporters were participating in the demonstration.

The video prompted criticism of Dahiya and his mistimed actions. “I am seriously empathetic for the victims of lathi charge. The so-called leaders of the protest have done nothing but made youngsters fools,” read a comment under the video.

Another netizen wrote, “This guy was not seen anywhere. Condolences to those who came there on these fellows’ words.”

A third user commented, “Protesters getting a lathi charge while he’s getting a combo meal. Priorities.”

How has Dahiya reacted to the burger controversy?

Dahiya rejected the claim that he had abandoned the protest on Monday and stated that he answers to no one.

“Why did I eat a burger? This is a big issue today. So, why does any human eat a burger? Either they are hungry, or they feel like eating a burger. That’s it,” he said in an Instagram video, while eating a burger. He further stated in Hindi, “You hold me accountable as if it is my job to be a protester. You haven’t elected me to this position.”

He also categorically stated that he would not apologise over the viral video, saying, “Yes, I will eat the burger.” He also wrote in the video's caption about the burger that set off this entire controversy, “By the way, I didn’t eat the burger, because I felt that it has maida and transfats, and maybe I should eat elsewhere.”

Notably, the Dahiya row emerged as the Centre noted on Tuesday that it was open to a debate on the issue in Parliament. “There should be debate. There should be dialogue in the House. The government is fully prepared to answer every question,” an official told the Indian Express. However, the official also noted that the government has no intention of yielding to demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

With inputs from agencies