Political researcher and filmmaker Vijeta Dahiya, the spokesperson of the Cockroach Janata Party, has issued a clarification after a video of him having a burger from an outlet in Delhi during the party’s ongoing protest went viral.
The video, though unverified, purportedly showed Dahiya at a famous fast-food chain during the march, which turned violent in the New Delhi area. According to Delhi Police, 118 police personnel, including several senior officers, were injured and around 70 protesters were detained. While the police claim protesters displayed "unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour" during the protest and attacked security personnel, damaging government vehicles and public property, the party accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters.
Dahiya, however, was allegedly missing from the protest. Later, the video went viral, showing him at the outlet. Some questioned Dahiya as to why he wasn’t with the protesters, who were lathicharged.
In response, Dahiya released a video claiming he had participated in the march, but then realised it was over and went home to shower. He said there was nothing wrong with eating a burger if someone was hungry, but later claimed he did not consume it as it contained refined flour and trans fats. "I've been working tirelessly for one and a half months for this cause. I've been involved in protests and haven't slept for over two nights. Those who were at the protest know it all," Dahiya said.
"The march started, so I went to the march. The police had shut down the entire internet here. Later, I thought since the march is over. I'll go home, take a shower, and come back,” he said, adding that he did so because he would be wanted at night.
“That very issue has been blown out of proportion. Those who have never been here are creating such a storm. Those who are protesting have no problem with it,” he added.
Dahiya, an alumnus of Delhi Technological University (DTU), has been a content developer for several YouTube creators, including creator Dhruv Rathee.
