MP Government Suspends IAS Officer Santosh Verma Over Controversial ‘Brahmin Daughter-in-Law’ Remark

Bhopal:
The Madhya Pradesh government has taken strict action against senior IAS officer Santosh Verma following his controversial remarks on caste-based reservation. A “Show Cause Notice” was issued to Verma, and he was suspended with immediate effect late Wednesday night. His statements had sparked widespread outrage within the Brahmin community and various social groups.

Controversial Remarks Ignite Backlash:
The controversy began on November 22 during a literary event in Bhopal, where Verma questioned the relevance of the reservation system. He claimed that the policy had served its original purpose and was now being used as a “permanent political tool.”

The remarks escalated when he added that the benefits of reservation should be limited to one family member unless a Brahmin “gives their daughter to my son” or forms a familial alliance. This statement went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from SC, ST, OBC organizations, and the Brahmin community, all of whom described it as an insult to the Constitution and a threat to social harmony.

Protests Erupt in Bhopal:
Activists gathered outside Vallabh Bhavan, the state secretariat, protesting Verma’s statements. Effigies of the officer were burned, and demonstrators demanded FIRs be registered against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Posters read slogans such as, “Officers Cannot Amend the Constitution” and “Protect Babasaheb’s Legacy.”

Government Response and Suspension:
In response to the uproar, the government immediately issued a show cause notice citing that Verma’s remarks were harmful to social harmony and violated the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The notice warned that failure to respond within seven days could lead to unilateral departmental action.

Subsequently, the General Administration Department (GAD) suspended Verma with immediate effect late Wednesday night. A senior government official stated that no civil servant, regardless of rank, can publicly criticize constitutional policies in a manner that disrupts social fabric.

Background:
Santosh Verma, a 2011 batch IAS officer serving as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has previously been involved in controversies and has faced legal action in the past.

This decisive action by the Madhya Pradesh government underscores the importance of maintaining constitutional decorum and social harmony among public officials.