Amid growing anger over the Delhi Police’s heavy-handed handling of students protesting at Jantar Mantar, remarks by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya defending his absence from the hunger strike were deemed “insensitive” and “unacceptable” by the organisation, prompting his immediate removal from the post.
Soon after a video of his controversial remarks surfaced on social media, the CJP on Tuesday announced its decision to remove him from the post, stating that the remarks fell short of the principles it upholds.
In a statement posted on X, the CJP said it “strongly condemns” the actions of its spokesperson at a time when its members, along with students and others, were holding peaceful protests and facing brutal attacks by the Delhi Police.
CJP found Dahiya’s behaviour to be “a complete lack of judgment”, which failed to demonstrate solidarity with students participating in the indefinite hunger strike over the NEET paper leak. However, the criticism worsened when he also tried to defend his eating a hamburger with insensitive remarks.
Responding to the backlash, Dahiya defended himself, arguing that he was not accountable to anyone since he was not appointed by any government and was immune from criticism over his personal actions. “Why should I be held accountable? Why does anyone eat a burger? Because they are hungry,” he said in the video.
He maintained that he was not publicly elected to the CJP spokesperson’s position; rather, it was his voluntary endeavour, while arguing that, instead of him being targeted and held responsible, the government should be made accountable. Following this, Dahiya was removed as spokesperson and relieved of all official responsibilities.
Dahiya had earlier represented the organisation alongside investigative journalist Saurav Das and former management consultant Ashutosh Ranka during CJP’s first official press conference.
Hundreds of students and youth activists have been protesting in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Founded in May by Abhijeet Dipke, CJP emerged as an online satirical movement inspired by a remark made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, before expanding its focus to youth-related issues.