CJP sacks spokesperson Vijet Dahiya after viral burger video; ‘I was hungry,’ says | Today’s news
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday dropped Vijet Dahiya as its spokesperson after a viral video allegedly showed him eating at a fast food restaurant while the party’s parliamentary march was underway in Delhi.
The decision came after the clip sparked criticism on social media, with users questioning Dahiya’s absence from the protest site as protesters were reportedly being chased and detained by police.
CJP calls behavior ‘deeply insensitive’
In a statement posted on X, the party said Dahiya’s actions were incompatible with the movement’s values, especially when the videos surfaced while protesters allegedly faced police action.
“We strongly condemn the deeply insensitive actions of our spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya, whose videos surfaced while peaceful protesters and our team faced brutal police violence. Such behavior is unacceptable, shows a complete lack of judgment and is completely against 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 duties.
The video is causing backlash on social media
The controversy started after footage circulating online purportedly showed political researcher and filmmaker Vijet Dahiya at a popular fast food restaurant in Delhi during a parliamentary march organized by the CJP on Monday.
When the video went viral, several social media users criticized him for allegedly leaving the protest while others continued to participate in the demonstration.
“Why did I eat a burger?”
In response to the backlash, Dahiya posted a video saying he had attended the march but left after realizing it had been terminated.
Explaining why he stopped for food, he said: “Why did I eat a burger? That’s the big deal today. So why does anyone eat a burger? They’re hungry. They want to eat a burger. That’s it. So I was really hungry too. And when you eat something good, you feel good.”
Dahiya also said the criticism ignored the efforts made by those who joined the protest.
“What people don’t see is that I haven’t slept for two nights. Neither have those who are part of the protest,” he said.
He added that after leaving the march he returned home, took a shower and later went out to eat.
The sides of the distance itself
A few hours after Dahiya’s explanation, the CJP announced the disciplinary proceedings, distancing himself from his conduct and reiterating that it did not reflect party principles.
The development comes at a time of increased attention on the party’s protest in Delhi, with Dahiya’s viral video becoming a point of interest on social media along with discussions surrounding the demonstration.
