Has CJP's dancing Dahiya failed to impress a fasting Sonam Wangchuk?
For artists, an empty stage is an invitation to perform. The sprawling platform setup at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP)
For artists, an empty stage is an invitation to perform. The sprawling platform setup at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has become more than just a site of sloganeering. It has turned into a stage for music and dance. Among those making the most of it is CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya, whose energetic dance performances have become one of the most talked about aspects of the protest. Read Full Story "I want to be the world's first dancing activist," Dahiya told India Today Digital with a chuckle, insisting that dance is not a distraction from protest but a form of resistance in itself. "I'm using dance as a tool to protest against Brahmanvad," he added. But while Dahiya dances before addressing the gathering, just a few metres away, climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, which is entering its 15th day. Some join Dahiya on the stage while other participants dance below. However, a fasting Wangchuk seems to be numb to the efforts. Wangchuk isn't alone. History is filled with towering personalities who frown upon dance. Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy reportedly dismissed it as a frivolous pursuit, while English statesman Oliver Cromwell viewed dancing and theatre with suspicion. Videos from the protest site show the activist from Ladakh maintaining a subtle silence as Dahiya grooves to music on stage, showing little sign of joining in or even acknowledging the performances.
But, according to Dahiya, the dance performances at the protest site are not bothering him. Rather, "Wangchuk motivates them," he said. JANTAR MANTAR DANCE CLIPS SHIFT SPOTLIGHT FROM DIPKE TO DAHIYA The CJP protest drew some flak last week after party founder Abhijeet Dipke was seen feasting on kachoris and noodles at the protest site while Wangchuk continued his indefinite fast. Social media users questioned the optics of feasting alongside someone on a hunger strike. Good or bad, the attention has now shifted to Vijeta Dahiya and his dancing. Videos of Dahiya dancing on stage before addressing gatherings have been circulating widely on social media, with critics questioning whether a protest accompanied by music and dancing can be taken seriously when Wangchuk is fasting nearby. Adding to the scrutiny, a music video released by Dahiya in 2017 resurfaced online after the protest gained attention. Some social media users accused him of portraying Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati in a derogatory manner, further fuelling criticism against him. Dahiya, speaking to India Today Digital, explained what he was trying to achieve through dancing on a protest stage. SONAM SIR ENJOYS OUR DANCE, SAYS VIJETA DAHIYA Rejecting the criticism, Vijeta Dahiya insisted that his performances have never bothered Sonam Wangchuk. "People are saying that while Sonam sir is on an indefinite hunger strike, I am dancing. But Sonam sir also enjoys our dance," Dahiya told India Today Digital. "Sonam sir motivates us and has never been annoyed by it," he added.
The BriefWire