IAS Verma row exposes caste faultlines in MP:Brahmin groups decry 16-day inaction as JAYS backs officer; experts point to vote-bank politics behind govt’s restraint

A political storm has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after IAS officer Santosh Verma, president of AJAKS (Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Officers-Employees Association), made controversial remarks regarding Brahmins. While some communities are protesting, others are supporting him. The government has issued a notice but has yet to take any strict action. Experts point out that political considerations, including tribal vote bank concerns, are influencing the delay. Latest statement sparks protests A new video of Santosh Verma from 7 December has gone viral. In it, he says: “How many Santosh Vermas will you kill? Now, a Santosh Verma will emerge from every house.” The statement was made during a meeting of AJAKS office bearers in Bhopal. Verma says the video is from an internal meeting and that he was quoting Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Ravan. Verma insists he did not insult any community’s daughters and that the statement has been misinterpreted. Brahmin community and SAPAKS protest After the video surfaced, the Brahmin community and SAPAKS (General, Backward and Minority Class) protested strongly. Pushpendra Mishra of Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj demanded strict action, warning of potential street protests if no FIR is registered. Hiralal Trivedi, state president of SAPAKS, raised concerns about women’s safety, questioning Verma’s message about “a Santosh Verma in every house.” Criminal cases of harassment against Verma already exist. Despite repeated attempts to register FIRs, none have been filed. No departmental inquiry or suspension has taken place yet. Support from Azad Samaj Party and JAYS Meanwhile, the Azad Samaj Party and Jai Yuva Adivasi Shakti Sangathan (JAYS) have expressed support for Verma. They claim his statement promotes social harmony and has been misrepresented. JAYS even organised a foot march in Indore and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding withdrawal of the notice against Verma and action against those issuing threats. Political leaders demand action Several BJP and Congress leaders from the Brahmin community have protested. A joint delegation of MLAs and MPs met Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, demanding immediate suspension of Verma and registration of an FIR. Congress leaders, led by Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare, stressed that irresponsible statements divide society and violate administrative ethics. MPs take matter to Union Minister Rewa MP Janardan Mishra and Bhopal MP Alok Sharma approached Union Minister of Personnel Jitendra Singh, questioning Verma’s selection and demanding action. A delegation of MPs, including Sidhi MP Dr. Rajesh Mishra and Jabalpur MP Ashish Dubey, submitted a memorandum asking for investigation. The Union Minister said he would seek a report from the Madhya Pradesh government. Government hesitant due to vote bank politics Political experts suggest the government is reluctant to act due to the tribal vote bank. MP has 35 SC and 47 ST assembly seats, which are crucial for forming the government. Santosh Verma belongs to the ST community. Since 2018, BJP has focused on tribal voters. The 2023 elections showed the party’s efforts were successful, winning 25 of 47 ST seats. Experts say any action against Verma could risk alienating tribal voters. Precedents show political calculations Experts cite previous incidents, like Minister Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks during Operation Sindoor, which went unpunished despite public outrage. Similarly, Muralidhar Rao’s statement about Brahmin and Baniya votes did not affect BJP’s performance. These examples suggest the government may prioritise maintaining voter support over immediate action against Verma.