Madhya Pradesh IAS Officer's Inflammatory Remarks Trigger Cross-Party Backlash and Caste Tensions

The controversy has united leaders across party lines.

Bhopal:

IAS officer and AJAKS President Santosh Verma has ignited fresh controversy in Madhya Pradesh after a new video containing his provocative statements went viral. While the government is still examining his previous comments about Brahmins, Verma has now been recorded saying, "No matter how many Santosh Vermas you kill, a Santosh Verma will emerge from every household."

This latest video, reportedly captured on December 7 at AJAKS Bhavan in Bhopal—the association representing employees from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories in Madhya Pradesh—has triggered widespread backlash across political and social circles.

Sources indicate that Verma made these remarks while recounting a conversation with Bhim Army convener and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Ravan. In the footage, Verma quotes Ravan asking, "How many Santosh Vermas will you kill, how many will you burn, how many will you swallow?" As the video circulates rapidly, Brahmin organizations, upper caste groups, and SAPAKS have expressed strong resentment, threatening statewide protests if stern action isn't taken.

The controversy has created rare unity among political rivals. Over a dozen BJP and Congress MLAs, ministers, and MPs from the Brahmin community have publicly demanded Verma's immediate suspension. Delegations from both parties have separately met with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to press for decisive action. BJP representatives submitted a memorandum requesting Verma's suspension and an FIR against him, while a Congress team led by Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare urged the government to take a firm stand against "divisive language and irresponsible behavior."

The uproar has extended to Delhi, where Rewa MP Janardan Mishra has written to Union Minister Jitendra Singh questioning Verma's selection into the IAS and demanding departmental action. Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, alongside other Madhya Pradesh MPs, has also met with the Union Minister and filed a written complaint.

Political analysts believe that despite growing pressure, the state government is proceeding cautiously. Verma belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community, and with 82 Assembly seats reserved for SCs and STs, the tribal vote bank significantly influences electoral outcomes. Since 2018, the BJP has worked diligently to rebuild support among tribal communities, and disciplinary action against a prominent ST officer could risk political backlash.

This isn't Santosh Verma's first brush with controversy. His troubling history has resurfaced amid the current uproar. Originally from the Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Service, Verma previously faced allegations of forging court orders and falsifying a CBI judge's signature to claim relief in cases against him.

He was arrested in Indore following a judge's complaint that he forged two court orders in a case involving alleged intimidation of a woman. Additionally, he has faced accusations in two exploitation cases where women claimed he promised marriage before threatening or deceiving them.

The state government has already issued Verma a notice regarding his initial remarks, and officials report his response is currently under review. With political tensions escalating and caste organizations mobilizing, the controversy shows no signs of abating. The government now faces mounting pressure to act while carefully weighing the potential political consequences of its decision.