The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has removed its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, from all official responsibilities after videos showing him at a Burger King outlet during the party’s “Chalo Sansad” protest went viral, triggering widespread criticism on social media. The controversy intensified after Dahiya defended himself in a video, stating that he was “not accountable to people” because he was not an elected representative and was participating in the movement voluntarily.
In an official statement, the party condemned what it called his “deeply insensitive actions”, saying his conduct was incompatible with the values of the movement. The decision comes amid heightened attention on the protest, which has drawn national focus following clashes between demonstrators and police in Delhi.
Party Acts Swiftly Amid Public Backlash
The controversy began after videos surfaced online allegedly showing Dahiya inside a Burger King outlet while CJP supporters and protesters were participating in the “Chalo Sansad” march, during which tensions escalated and police action was reported. The footage prompted criticism from several social media users, who questioned why one of the movement’s most visible faces was away from the protest site during a crucial moment. Soon after, Dahiya posted a video defending his actions.
He said he had participated in the march before returning home to freshen up and intended to rejoin later. Addressing criticism over eating a burger, he argued that there was nothing wrong with having food after spending days actively participating in the movement. He also said, “You haven’t elected me. I’m not accountable to people,” adding that he was protesting voluntarily and not as a paid representative. His remarks, however, drew further criticism online, with many arguing that spokespersons for public movements are expected to remain accountable regardless of whether they hold elected office.
In response, the CJP distanced itself from Dahiya’s remarks and conduct. In its official statement, the party said, “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 organisation announced that Dahiya had been removed as spokesperson and relieved of all official duties with immediate effect. The swift action was widely seen as an attempt to reinforce the movement’s commitment to accountability and prevent the controversy from overshadowing its core demands.
From Viral Video To Organisational Fallout
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of the CJP’s ongoing campaign and protests in Delhi, which have attracted considerable public attention in recent weeks. Dahiya, a political researcher, filmmaker and one of the party’s appointed spokespersons, had been tasked with representing the organisation publicly ahead of its protest campaign.
Before the controversy, he had claimed to have spent weeks working on the movement, participated in demonstrations and gone without adequate sleep while supporting the cause. Nevertheless, the viral video shifted public discourse away from the movement’s objectives and towards questions of optics, leadership and responsibility.
While some social media users defended Dahiya, arguing that taking a meal break should not become the focus of the debate and that the timing of the footage remained unverified, others maintained that those occupying leadership positions in public campaigns are expected to lead by example, particularly when protesters are facing difficult circumstances. The episode has also highlighted how viral social media content can quickly influence public perception and shape the narrative around political movements, often eclipsing the issues they seek to raise.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Public movements derive their strength not only from the causes they champion but also from the trust they inspire. Those who choose to represent such movements inevitably face greater public scrutiny because their actions influence how the larger campaign is perceived.
At the same time, accountability should not give way to online outrage or personal attacks, as these can distract from meaningful conversations around the issues being raised. The CJP’s decision to remove its spokesperson demonstrates that organisations, too, can be held accountable for the conduct of their representatives.
Ultimately, public discourse is best served when both individuals and institutions uphold transparency, responsibility and empathy, while citizens remain focused on the larger questions that prompted the protest in the first place. Do you think public representatives of social movements should be held to higher standards of accountability than ordinary participants, or can isolated personal actions sometimes overshadow the larger cause?
Also Read: Farmers Halted At Punjab-Haryana’s Shambhu Border While Heading To Delhi Over India–US Trade Deal
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 Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 21, 2026
