Gen-Z protests over IAS Verma’s remark on Brahmin daughters:Officer’s effigy paraded on donkey at Bhopal university; beaten with shoes

A major protest has erupted in Bhopal after IAS officer and AJAKS provincial president Santosh Verma made a controversial remark about Brahmin daughters. Hundreds of Gen-Z members marched at Barkatullah University, paraded Verma’s effigy on a donkey, and demanded his suspension and an immediate FIR. Political reactions, public anger, and fresh allegations against Verma have intensified the dispute. Protest over IAS officer’s remark A strong protest took place outside Barkatullah University (BU) on Saturday.The demonstration was led by Pandit Ashish Sharma. Hundreds of Gen-Z members joined the protest. Protesters paraded an effigy of IAS officer Santosh Verma on a donkey.The effigy was beaten with shoes and slippers before being burnt at the BU gate. Ashish Sharma said the issue was not limited to one community.He said the remark insulted all sisters and daughters of the state.He demanded Verma’s suspension and an immediate FIR. Congress targets BJP leaders Congress spokesperson Vivek Tripathi criticised BJP’s Brahmin leaders.He said the upper-caste community was angry, yet BJP’s Brahmin leaders remained silent.Tripathi questioned why they were not protesting when a community’s honour was hurt.He said such a mindset should not be tolerated. Warning to the govt Ashish Sharma warned the government during the protest.He said that if no action was taken, Gen-Z members would “drag Santosh Verma from his house” and parade him on a donkey across Madhya Pradesh.Protesters repeated that they wanted strict action. Agitation will continue Protester Abhishek Dwivedi said Verma’s remark was unacceptable.He said it created unrest in society.He warned that officers should think carefully before making such statements. Another protester, Lucky Chaubey, said the agitation would continue until action was taken.Many young men from the upper-caste community joined the protest. Who are Gen-Z? Gen-Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. They are currently between 13 and 28 years old. They grew up fully in the digital era—using phones, internet, and social media daily. They are known for being vocal, tech-savvy, and active on social issues. The term “Gen-Z protest” gained attention after similar youth-led movements in Nepal. MP seeks action against Verma Rewa MP Janardan Mishra wrote a letter to Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh. He demanded an inquiry into Verma’s statement, earlier criminal cases, and his promotion to IAS. The MP described Verma’s remark at the AJAKS event as indecent and insulting. He said it encouraged caste tension and gender insensitivity. Allegation of changing caste for promotion In his letter, the MP also accused Verma of changing his caste category for career benefits. He stated that Verma was earlier listed under the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. But for IAS promotion, Verma allegedly identified himself as a member of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The MP said this claim must also be investigated.