Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday questioned Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya whether he skipped the "Chalo Sansad" march after a video showing him at a Burger King outlet in a nearby mall during the ongoing protest in Delhi triggered a debate on social media.
Taking to social media, she wrote, "So, spokesperson of CJP, Vijeta Dahiya, the one who kept dancing on every platform, who abused Swami Premanand Maharaj, did not participate in the protests yesterday? Is that correct?"
Earlier, a video went viral purportedly showing Dahiya at a Burger King outlet in a nearby mall during the party's ongoing protest in Delhi triggering a debate on social media, with many questioning the contrast between protest leaders and participants. The timing and context of the video, however, have not been independently verified.
The clip, which went viral online after the group's 'Chalo Sansad' march, allegedly shows Dahiya at a Burger King outlet while protesters were facing police action on the streets. In the video, several individuals can be seen confronting him and asking why he wasn't among the protesters.
Dahiya defends his actions
Responding to the backlash, Dahiya shared a video on Instagram defending himself. He said there was nothing wrong with eating a burger if someone was hungry.
"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, adding that those criticising him were free to "sit at home and speak nonsense."
He also addressed criticism over his colourful attire and participation in the march, saying, "People have a problem when I dance at the protest or wear a colourful shirt, but they ignore real social issues. I was part of the movement and left only after the march."
Questioning why he was being held accountable, Dahiya added, "Nobody pays me to participate in the protest. Whatever I'm doing, I'm doing for the country and yes, I will eat the burger."
Earlier remarks on Premanand Maharaj
Earlier, during a podcast, Dahiya questioned Premanand Maharaj's influence, calling him a "tool of Brahminism." Dahiya strongly criticised Premanand Maharaj, saying he deliberately refuses to address him as "Maharaj."
He questioned why Hindu saints are given royal honorifics and instead referred to him as "Prem Bhai", arguing that such titles are undeserved.
