CJP sacks spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya after burger video during protest sparks row

In a statement, the party described Dahiya's actions as "deeply insensitive" and said they were incompatible with the values of the movement, especially at a time when party workers and supporters were allegedly facing police action.

CJP announces disciplinary action

Announcing the decision, the party said Dahiya had been removed as its spokesperson and stripped of all official responsibilities.

"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.

Burger video triggers backlash

The controversy erupted after a video purportedly showed Dahiya, a political researcher and filmmaker, at a popular burger outlet inside a Delhi mall while the CJP's protest was underway on Monday.

Another viral clip showed a group confronting him at the restaurant, questioning why he was eating a burger instead of standing with protesters, many of whom were allegedly being lathicharged and detained by police.

The timing of the videos and the circumstances in which they were recorded have not been independently verified.

Dahiya defends himself

Responding to the criticism, Dahiya said he had participated in the protest march and left only after it had concluded.

"Why did I eat a burger? This has become such a big issue today. Why does anyone eat a burger? Because they're hungry. I was hungry too," he said in a video shared on social media.

He added that he had been working continuously for the movement without sleep for two nights, returned home to freshen up after the protest, and later stopped for food.

"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.

In the caption accompanying his Instagram post, Dahiya claimed he eventually decided not to eat the burger because it contained refined flour and trans fats, opting to eat elsewhere instead.

"No one pays me to participate in the protest. I'm doing this for the country," he wrote, maintaining that there was nothing inappropriate about eating after the demonstration.

Previous social media controversies

This is not the first time Dahiya has attracted controversy. He has previously faced criticism online over remarks about transgender people and for claiming that most women are "not political."

Protests continue

The disciplinary action comes as the CJP continues its agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and question paper leaks.

The protests intensified after police used force to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament on Monday, detaining several participants. The incident has since escalated into a wider political confrontation between the Opposition and the Centre over the handling of the paper leak controversy.