The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday removed Vijeta Dahiya from the post of spokesperson, saying it "strongly condemns" his "deeply insensitive actions" after videos of him surfaced on social media during the party's protest in Delhi.
In a statement posted on X, the party said the videos emerged at a time when "peaceful protestors and our team were facing brutal police violence", describing Dahiya's conduct as inconsistent with the movement's values.
"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 the values and principles of our movement," the CJP said.
Announcing disciplinary action, the party said it was removing Dahiya as its spokesperson and relieving him of all official responsibilities.
{{/usCountry}}Announcing disciplinary action, the party said it was removing Dahiya as its spokesperson and relieving him of all official responsibilities.
{{/usCountry}}The controversy erupted after a video, whose authenticity has not been independently verified, purportedly showed Dahiya at a popular fast-food outlet in Delhi during Monday's Parliament march organised by the CJP.
As the video went viral, several social media users questioned Dahiya's absence from the protest site while demonstrators were allegedly being lathicharged and detained by the police.
Responding to the criticism, Dahiya released a video claiming he had participated in the march but left after realising it was over.
"Why did I eat a burger? This is a big issue today. So why does anyone eat a burger? He is hungry. He wants to eat a burger. That's it. So I was also very hungry. And when you eat something good, your mind feels good," Dahiya said.
He also said critics were ignoring the sacrifices made by those involved in the protest.
"What people don't see is that I haven't slept for two nights. Neither have those who are part of the protest," he said, adding that he had gone home to take a shower after leaving the march before stopping for food.