New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) removed its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, from all official responsibilities after a video showing him at a fast-food outlet during the party's 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi went viral. The protest, organised to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak, saw thousands of students and party workers marching towards Parliament.

Amid the demonstration, Dahiya was filmed at a burger outlet near the protest venue, prompting criticism that he had stepped away while protesters were allegedly facing police action, including lathi charges and tear gas. The video quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread backlash.

Viral confrontation at burger outlet

In the viral clip, a person confronted Dahiya and questioned why he was eating instead of standing with protesters. "The protesters are being beaten with sticks, and you're roaming around here? What kind of support is this?"

Dahiya initially ignored the questions before stopping to respond. "You're behaving like a joke," he said calmly.

The exchange fuelled criticism online, with many users questioning the role of senior party leaders during the protest.

The video triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with several users accusing party leaders of failing to stand alongside demonstrators.

One user commented: "I am seriously empathetic to the victims of the lathi charge. The so-called leaders of the protest have done nothing but make youngsters fools."

Another wrote: "This guy was not seen anywhere. Condolences to those who came there on these fellows' words."

Dahiya defends his actions

Responding to the criticism, Dahiya denied abandoning the protest and argued that he had been actively participating before taking a break to eat. "You hold me accountable as if it were my job to be a protestor. You haven't elected me to this position."

He later posted another video explaining that he had been hungry after spending the previous night protesting. "By the way, I didn't eat the burger, because I felt that it had maida and trans fats, and maybe I should eat elsewhere."

Dahiya also maintained that there was nothing unusual about taking a meal break after a long day of demonstrations.

'Yes, I will eat the burger' remark fuels backlash

While defending himself, Dahiya made another statement that gained widespread attention on social media. "Nobody pays me to participate in the protest."

He added: "Yes, I will eat the burger."

The remark further intensified criticism, with many users describing his response as insensitive given the circumstances surrounding the protest.

Following the controversy, the Cockroach Janta Party announced Dahiya's immediate removal from all official responsibilities. According to reports, the party distanced itself from his comments and conduct, stating that they were inconsistent with the values expected from its leadership during a major public movement.

The incident became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the 'Chalo Sansad' protest, highlighting how a viral social media clip can quickly overshadow the core message of a political demonstration.