‘Yes, I’ll Eat The Burger’: Cockroach Janta Party Sacks Vijeta Dahiya After Fast Food Fracas During NEET Protest | India News
Last Updated:
Dahiya strongly rejected accusations of hypocrisy, arguing that after working tirelessly for weeks on the ground, taking a brief meal break was entirely reasonable
Vijeta Dahiya eating a burger (L) during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest in Delhi. Image: X/PTI
What began as a high-stakes political demonstration in Delhi quickly spiralled into a viral social media storm, leaving the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) red-faced and its key mouthpiece out of a job. The row centres on Vijeta Dahiya, who was caught on camera taking a fast-food break while student protesters faced police lathi charges on the streets.
The fallout was swift and decisive. Following severe backlash over his defiant responses, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) officially sacked Dahiya as its spokesperson, condemning his conduct as “deeply insensitive” and inconsistent with the movement’s values.
A viral video showing CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya eating a burger during the ongoing student protests has sparked criticism on social media. Responding to the backlash, Dahiya said, “Why should I join the CJP protest? People didn’t elect me. I am not accountable for anything.”… pic.twitter.com/6G2v1iMIZ6— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 21, 2026
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
From Street Clashes to Fast-Food Benches
The controversy erupted during the CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” rally in the capital, organised to protest against the NEET examination paper leaks. As thousands of students gathered near Jantar Mantar, tensions boiled over, resulting in violent clashes with security personnel, multiple injuries, and widespread detentions.
Yet, while demonstrators were facing police action on the roads, footage surfaced online showing Dahiya seated inside a fast-food outlet at a nearby shopping mall, enjoying a burger.
Critics and social media users immediately pounced on the clip, accusing the spokesperson of abandoning the very movement he was meant to represent. The stark contrast between injured protesters on the pavement and a party official enjoying an air-conditioned meal sparked widespread public outrage.
A Defiant Defence Backfires
Rather than offering an apology, Dahiya released a series of video responses that only served to inflame the situation further. He strongly rejected accusations of hypocrisy, arguing that after working tirelessly for weeks on the ground, taking a brief meal break was entirely reasonable.
Key highlights of his defence included:
- The Hunger Justification: Dahiya plainly questioned why eating had become a national debate, stating, “Why does one eat a burger? Either he is hungry or he feels like eating a burger.”
- Rejection of Accountability: He asserted that he was not accountable to the public, claiming he was participating out of personal conviction and adding, “Yes, I will eat the burger.”
- Contradictory Statements: Adding to the confusion, he later claimed he ultimately chose not to consume the meal after discovering it contained refined flour and trans fats.
The Political Fallout and Sacking
Dahiya’s unapologetic stance triggered a fresh wave of public anger, with many branding his comments arrogant and out of touch with struggling students. Facing immense pressure to maintain credibility, the CJP distanced itself from his remarks.
In an official statement, the party announced Dahiya’s immediate removal from all official duties, emphasising that leadership requires accountability and solidarity with demonstrators during critical moments.
What started as a simple meal break ultimately served as a stark reminder of how rapidly optics can derail a political narrative in the digital age.
Political parties may adapt to social media scrutiny by swiftly addressing controversies and removing members whose actions are deemed insensitive or inconsistent with movement values.
About the Author
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More
Read More