On 21st July, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) sacked its spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya from the post after a video showing him eating a burger surfaced during protests called by the organisation.
In a statement, CJP said it strongly condemned Dahiya’s “deeply insensitive actions” at a time when protesters and members of the organisation were allegedly facing police action.
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…
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 21, 2026
The party added that his conduct reflected a complete lack of judgement and was inconsistent with the values and principles of the movement. CJP announced that Dahiya was being removed as spokesperson and relieved of all official responsibilities.
Dahiya seen eating a burger during protest
In one of the videos circulating on social media, he was seen sitting inside a vehicle and eating a burger. While eating the burger, he questioned why he was being held accountable for everything and said that he was not obliged to be at the protest. He said, “It is not my responsibility to be at the protest. You people have not elected me.” He further added that the government should be held accountable, not him. This video, along with others were published on Dahiya’s Instagram handle after he was confronted by two individuals at a mall.
The timing of the video led to criticism, with questions being raised over why a spokesperson for the organisation was apparently away from the protest site while those mobilised by the party were confronting the police.
Confronted inside a mall
In another video, Dahiya was confronted inside a mall by two individuals over his absence from the protest. The individuals questioned why he was sitting inside the mall while students who had responded to CJP’s call were facing police action. Dahiya was seen responding to them as the argument continued inside the premises. They also questioned him for his anti-Hindu statements and remarks about Swami Premanand Maharaj.
The videos caused embarrassment for CJP as the organisation had projected the demonstrations as a major political mobilisation and accused the police of using force against peaceful protesters.
However, images of its spokesperson eating a burger while sitting in his car and making “insensitive comments” weakened the party’s narrative and triggered criticism even among people associated with the agitation.
CJP subsequently distanced itself from Dahiya and announced disciplinary action against him.
The protest had reportedly been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party without the required permission from the police. Despite this, students and supporters joined the protest following CJP’s call. Police used mild force when participants pelted stones and attacked police personnel. Several police personnel and protesters were injured during the confrontation. Protesters reportedly damaged several police vehicles.
