Vijeta Dahiya to make a comeback in CJP? Abhijeet Dipke says ‘will think about it but…’

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder and national convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has indicated that the party leadership might reconsider bringing back Vijeta Dahiya as a spokesperson, though he emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Dahiya’s removal were problematic. The potential return of Dahiya comes amid ongoing discussions within the party about its public image and engagement strategies following a controversial incident that led to his dismissal. The incident in question occurred during protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where demonstrations were marked by clashes with law enforcement. Videos circulating online allegedly showed Dahiya at a fast-food outlet while protesters were subjected to lathi charges. These images sparked widespread debate and raised questions about his presence during the unrest. According to statements from the CJP, the videos emerged during a period of heightened tension, with peaceful protestors and the party’s team facing violent police action. The party claimed that Dahiya’s actions did not align with the core values of their movement. Dipke, speaking to BBC News Hindi, acknowledged that the timing of the incident was inappropriate, describing it as “a bit insensitive.” While he praised Dahiya as “a nice person,” he stressed that the situation was not ideal. In response to the controversy, Dahiya himself expressed feelings of betrayal, stating that he had been “made a scapegoat.” In a video posted on social media, he recounted how his efforts to counter misinformation and support Dipke’s position had inadvertently led to his removal from the role of spokesperson. Dahiya revealed that he had spent the preceding two nights at the protest site, anticipating a possible police crackdown. He explained that he had returned home to take a shower after leaving the march and later stopped to get food, actions that were interpreted by some as inconsistent with his commitment to the cause. Despite these claims, he maintained that his primary focus had always been on supporting the movement and countering false narratives. In a separate statement shared on X, the CJP reiterated its stance, emphasizing that Dahiya’s actions during the incident were incongruent with the values they stood for. The party highlighted the challenges faced by activists during the protests, underscoring the emotional toll of sustained resistance. Dahiya, however, argued that the broader context of the protests had been overlooked, noting that many participants had sacrificed sleep and comfort in pursuit of their goals. As the CJP continues to navigate its internal dynamics and public perception, the possibility of Dahiya’s return remains under consideration. The party’s leadership is weighing the implications of his past actions while also recognizing his contributions to the organization. With ongoing dialogue between key figures, the next steps will likely depend on further developments within the party and the evolving landscape of political activism in India.