Last Updated: 22 July 2026
Introduction
Vijeta Dahiya, who writes under the pen name “Gulfam,” has worked across engineering, government service, literature, filmmaking and digital political communication. His appointment as an official spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in June 2026 brought him into the national spotlight. Within weeks, however, his tenure ended following a series of public controversies, including a viral video recorded during a student protest in New Delhi.
The episode drew attention to the increasing influence of social media on political communication and public accountability. This article presents a factual overview of Dahiya’s background, career and political journey, based on official party statements, Dahiya’s public comments and reports published by established news organisations as of 22 July 2026.
Vijeta Dahiya Profile
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Full Name |
Vijeta Dahiya |
|
Pen Name |
Gulfam |
|
Birthplace |
Nahri, Sonipat, Haryana |
|
Education |
B.Tech, Production and Industrial Engineering, Delhi Technological University |
|
Occupation |
Author, Filmmaker, Political Researcher |
|
Former Government Role |
Assistant, Ministry of External Affairs |
|
Political Position |
Former Spokesperson, Cockroach Janta Party |
|
Spouse |
Mamta Lohchab |
|
Daughter |
Hayaat |
Early Life and Education
According to publicly available biographical information, Vijeta Dahiya was born into a middle-class Jat farming family in Nahri village of Haryana’s Sonipat district. His father worked as a teacher, while his mother, Sushila Devi, encouraged his interest in writing. Several published profiles state that he began tutoring children at the age of 12 to help finance his education.
He completed his schooling at Holy Child School, Sonipat, and Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, before graduating in 2009 with a B.Tech in Production and Industrial Engineering from Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering).
Professional Career
After graduating, Dahiya joined Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited as a Business Intelligence Executive. In 2012, after clearing the SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination, he joined the Ministry of External Affairs as an Assistant and served there for about three years.
He later resigned to pursue filmmaking and theatre. His work includes the stage productions Hara Gulab, A Christmas Carol and Safeena ki Nayi Duniya. He also wrote and directed the Haryanvi films Dararein and Opri Paraai, the latter receiving recognition at the Faridabad Film Festival.
Published interviews and biographical reports also state that Dahiya authored Power of Universe and To Hell with That Job (later translated into Hindi as भाड़ में जाए नौकरी). He reportedly spent nearly five years working as a researcher and scriptwriter for YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and was recognised as a prominent Hindi writer on Quora.
Entry into Politics
According to the Cockroach Janta Party’s official announcement dated 3 June 2026, Dahiya was appointed as one of the party’s spokespersons alongside Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
The party said his analytical background and experience in political communication contributed to the appointment. Dahiya stated in public interviews that he joined the movement voluntarily and was not receiving payment for his participation.
Public Controversies
Following his appointment, several of Dahiya’s earlier public remarks resurfaced online. Media reports and archived public content indicate that he faced criticism over comments relating to transgender people, remarks interpreted by some as suggesting that women were “not political,” and statements concerning Hindu religious traditions. These remarks attracted criticism from various social media users and commentators.
Another widely reported controversy involved spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. According to videos circulated online and subsequent media coverage, Dahiya criticised what he described as Maharaj’s interpretation of the concept of karma after comments concerning a child rape survivor gained attention. Dahiya later stated that he received online abuse and threats but did not withdraw his position.
Burger King Controversy
One of the most widely reported developments occurred during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest on 20 July 2026, which called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities related to the NEET examination.
Videos that circulated on social media showed Dahiya inside a Burger King outlet near the protest venue. Another video shared through his social media account showed him commenting on refreshments available at the demonstration site. The footage prompted criticism from some protesters and online users, who questioned his absence from the protest while police action was taking place nearby.
Timeline of Events
|
Date |
Status |
Development |
|
3 June 2026 |
Confirmed |
CJP announced Dahiya’s appointment as spokesperson |
|
20 July 2026 |
Historical |
‘Sansad Chalo’ protest held in New Delhi |
|
20 July 2026 |
Confirmed |
Videos featuring Dahiya circulated online |
|
20–21 July 2026 |
Confirmed |
Dahiya issued a public clarification |
|
21 July 2026 |
Confirmed |
CJP announced his removal as spokesperson |
Response and Removal
In a video shared on Instagram, Dahiya said he had been working continuously for several weeks, had not slept properly for two nights and had stopped because he was hungry. He also said that he participated in the movement voluntarily rather than as a paid organiser.
In a subsequent clarification, he stated that he ultimately chose not to eat the burger after deciding against consuming food prepared with refined flour and trans fats.
On 21 July 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party announced his removal as spokesperson, describing his conduct as “deeply insensitive” and inconsistent with the party’s values. In later interviews, Dahiya said party founder Abhijeet Dipke informed him of the decision during a brief phone call. He also denied any association with the parody social media account titled “Burger Janta Party.”
Conclusion
Vijeta Dahiya’s career spans engineering, public service, filmmaking, writing and political communication. His brief period as a political spokesperson, however, became closely associated with public controversies and the events surrounding the July 2026 student protest.
The developments illustrate how political organisations increasingly respond to public scrutiny in the digital era, where online content can rapidly shape public perception. As political developments may continue, readers should rely on official statements and verified reporting for the latest information.
References
The information in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources, including:
- Cockroach Janta Party official statements (3 June 2026; 21 July 2026)
- Vijeta Dahiya’s verified public social media statements (20–21 July 2026)
- The Times of India (published July 2026)
- The Indian Express (published July 2026)
- India Today (published July 2026)
- The Week (published July 2026)
- WION (published July 2026)
- Outlook India (published July 2026)
- The New Indian Express (published July 2026)
- Financial Express (published July 2026)
- Free Press Journal (published July 2026)
- United News of India (UNI) (published July 2026)
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information, official statements and reports published up to 22 July 2026. Some events relate to an evolving political issue and may be updated as new information becomes available. Where differences arise, official statements issued by the concerned organisations and verified primary sources should be treated as authoritative.