CJP Removes Spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday removed its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, from all official responsibilities after viral videos showed him away from the protest site during the “Chalo Sansad” demonstration in New Delhi, even as protesters were facing a police crackdown. The organisation said the decision was taken because Dahiya’s actions were “deeply insensitive” and inconsistent with the values of the movement.
The development comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the protest, where several demonstrators alleged excessive police action at and around Jantar Mantar. While videos of protesters confronting police circulated widely on social media, separate clips showing Dahiya inside a Burger King outlet near the protest venue quickly triggered criticism and raised questions about his role during the demonstration.
CJP Removes Spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya
In an official statement posted on its social media platforms, CJP said it “strongly condemns the deeply insensitive actions” of its spokesperson, adding that the videos demonstrated “a complete lack of judgment” and were “wholly inconsistent with the values and principles of our movement.”
View this post on Instagram
The organisation announced that Dahiya had been removed as spokesperson with immediate effect and relieved of all official duties.
Who Is Barkha Trehan? Men’s Rights Activist Detained After Throwing Ink at CJP Founder
Why The Controversy Erupted?
The controversy centred on videos that appeared to show Dahiya at a fast-food restaurant while protesters and members of the organisation were confronting police outside. The timing in the footage became a big talking point online, with critics saying that the visuals projected a whole different picture compared to what the movement was saying, especially during that tense moment out on the ground.
View this post on Instagram
The matter got even louder after more clips started circulating where Dahiya defended himself and answered the criticism. He very casually can be seen eating a burger saying, “not accountable” because he was not an elected representative. It ended up triggering fresh backlash across social media.
Dahiya’s Reply
After the controversy, Dahiya put out a clarification, basically saying he had taken part in the march before he left the protest area. He defended his decision to eat during the day and maintained that his presence at the restaurant did not mean he had abandoned the movement. Reports also noted that he later attempted to clarify some of his earlier remarks as criticism mounted.
Dahiya was among the three spokespersons appointed by CJP in June as the organisation sought to formalise its public communication ahead of nationwide protests. A political researcher and filmmaker, he had been tasked with representing the movement before the media alongside Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.
By removing one of its own spokespersons, CJP has sought to signal accountability and distance itself from conduct it believes undermined the movement during a period of confrontation with police.
