The satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) suspended Wijeta Dahiya as Speaker, relieving him of “all official duties” on Tuesday after a video purportedly showing him eating a burger during the party’s protest march to Parliament went viral.
In a statement, the CJP said it “strongly condemns the deeply insensitive actions” of Dahiya, whose videos surfaced on social media during Monday’s march. The party added: “This behavior is unacceptable, demonstrates a complete lack of judgment and is completely inconsistent with the values and principles of our movement.”
We strongly condemn the deeply insensitive actions of our representative Wijeta Dahiya, whose videos emerged as peaceful protesters and our team faced brutal police violence. This behavior is unacceptable, demonstrates a complete lack of judgment and is completely inappropriate…
— The Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 21, 2026
Dahiya faced criticism online after videos allegedly showed him eating a hamburger while CJP protesters, mostly young students, marched towards Parliament and faced police action.
Defending himself, Dahiya posted a video on Tuesday in which he insisted he was not answering to anyone. “Why did I eat a hamburger? This is a big problem today. So why do people eat hamburgers? Either they are hungry or they want to eat a hamburger. That’s it,” he said, taking a bite of his hamburger as he spoke.
He further questioned why he was prosecuted in the first place. “Anyway, you guys are holding me accountable… I mean, is being a protester a job? A? Have you chosen me for this position?
He added: “Whatever I do, I do it for the country, I do it by my own choice, and I am not accountable to anyone. And I’ll eat a hamburger.”
Vijaytha Dahiya..
“You chose me? Why should I go to your protest? Am I accountable to you? Am I here to appease you fools? I was hungry so I ate a hamburger. If you want to think stupid things, go ahead.”
The CJP spokesman yesterday called on students to protest, let them meet… pic.twitter.com/R55Zy5pxjb
— Surbhi (@SurrbhiM) July 21, 2026
On Monday, Delhi police fired tear gas and batons at protesters as they tried to march to Parliament demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities in major exams, including leaked questions and technical glitches.
At least 178 people, including 118 police personnel, were injured in the clashes, according to Delhi Police. Police criticized what they called the “unruly, aggressive and violent behavior” of the “violent mob”. A statement released late Monday said: “Around 60 protesters were also reported to have been injured during the fight.”
The march came days after activist Sonam Wangchuck was forcibly taken to hospital on Saturday, bringing an abrupt end to his 21-day hunger strike in support of youth and the CJP movement. Later on Monday, Wangchuk said he would resume his hunger strike at the hospital after witnessing “the brutality with which peacefully protesting students are being treated.”
The CJP said two of its leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a letter outlining their demands after the government approached them on Tuesday morning. Nadda confirmed the meeting had taken place, describing the atmosphere as “cordial”, but said the proposal for talks came from the protesters.
The political atmosphere in central Delhi remained tense on Tuesday as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi led a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, a day after the CJP’s march to Parliament.
Congress workers gathered outside Kharge’s residence at 10 Rajaji Marg on Tuesday afternoon and then proceeded to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Later, Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the protest site and spoke to Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders said talks between Gandhi and Singh were inconclusive.