IAS Verma stands by his ‘Roti-Beti’ reservation remarks:Brahmin and employee groups demand FIR; warn of protests if authorities fail to take immediate action

Senior IAS officer Santosh Verma has reaffirmed his controversial statement that reservation should continue until “Roti–Beti” relations are established between communities. His remarks have sparked sharp reactions from Brahmin organisations and employee unions across Madhya Pradesh. Verma had stated at an AJAKS event on 23 November that “until a Brahmin gives his daughter to my son or forms such a relationship, reservation must continue.” His comments went viral after a clipped video circulated online, leading to widespread outrage. In a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Verma said he stands by his statement but added that if anyone’s sentiments are hurt, he apologises.
He questioned why objections were not raised during his 27-minute speech, delivered before 6,000–7,000 employees and officers. Brahmin organisations link Verma’s remarks with CM’s earlier comment Brahmin groups have connected Verma’s statement to an older remark by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who had said “Pandit Ji, Paav Laagu… Dham Se” at an event in Lahar on 23 May.
They now claim Verma’s statement is “inspired” by the CM’s words. The Sarv Brahmin Yuva Samiti, led by state president Pt. Ramnarayan Awasthi, submitted a memorandum to Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla on 26 November, warning that if an FIR is not registered within 2–3 days, they will launch protests and burn Verma’s effigy. Employee unions also condemn the statement Despite Verma’s apology, employee associations have expressed deep anger.
Sudhir, general secretary of the Mantralayin Karamchari Sangh, said that Verma’s comment about daughters of the upper castes was “unconstitutional, derogatory and highly objectionable”. They demanded strict action, including suspension and FIR. Ashok Pandey, president of the Savarna Officer–Employee Union, said this is the first time in Madhya Pradesh’s history that such remarks have been made about their daughters.
He warned that the union will fight the matter in court and take to the streets if action is not taken immediately. Umashankar Tiwari from the Third Class Employees’ Union questioned whether Verma considers himself “above the law and the court”. He demanded the officer’s suspension, claiming that Verma’s comments undermine the judiciary’s stance on reservation. Verma clarifies: “My words were taken out of context” Verma explained that his remarks on “roti–beti” relations were meant to highlight the need for inter-caste marriages to eliminate social backwardness.
He added that his own daughter’s arranged marriage earlier this year was conducted in a Vaishya family, showing his support for inter-community ties. He insisted his statement was within the context of addressing those who demand reservation based solely on economic grounds while ignoring social disparities. Union Minister and BJP leaders also react Union Minister of State for Coal Satish Chandra Dubey called the remark “highly objectionable, casteist and anti-women”, adding that it reflects a mindset aimed at dividing society.
“As a Brahmin myself, our tradition teaches respect, not insult,” he said on X. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma criticised attempts to “break Hindu unity” and asserted that “all daughters are safe and respected.” BJP state minister Lokendra Parashar wrote on X that “daughters are revered in Indian culture, and no officer holding such a filthy mindset deserves the Indian Administrative Service. Society and the law must punish such conduct.” Growing pressure for action As tensions escalate, Brahmin organisations and employee unions have warned of statewide agitations if the government does not act swiftly.
Demands for Verma’s suspension and registration of an FIR continue to intensify, turning the controversy into a major political flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh.