The Madhya Pradesh government has shifted IAS officer Santosh Verma following a second round of contentious comments that reignited public anger.
The officer, already facing criticism for earlier remarks about Brahmin women, stirred further outrage with allegations against the High Court during a public event on Wednesday.
A late-night notification issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain confirmed Verma’s transfer from the Agriculture Department, where he served as Deputy Secretary, to the General Administration Department (GAD).
The order also stated that authorities put his posting within the GAD on hold and relieved him from the Indian Administrative Service.
Sources indicated that the state government has recommended to the Centre that Verma be removed from the IAS altogether.
Remarks on Judiciary Spark Fresh Storm
Verma, who heads the Madhya Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Officers and Employees Association (AJJAKS), claimed at an association event that the High Court was responsible for preventing Scheduled Tribe candidates from becoming civil judges.
“It is the High Court, not anyone else, that blocks ST children from entering the judiciary,” he stated, adding that only when members of their community become judges could they expect justice.
His comments quickly drew sharp reactions from legal circles, political leaders, and community groups, many of whom accused him of making inflammatory statements and undermining constitutional institutions.
Verma has been at the centre of protests for weeks after his earlier remarks suggesting reservation should continue ‘until a Brahmin gives his daughter to a Dalit boy’ provoked strong responses from Brahmin organisations across party lines. Both BJP and Congress leaders from the community had demanded decisive action.
The latest government move comes just a day before the Brahmin Samaj United Front planned a large demonstration outside the Chief Minister’s residence on 14 December, accusing authorities of delaying action despite repeated violations.
Community organisations and political leaders say Verma’s repeated comments amount to a breach of service conduct rules and have pressured the administration to intervene.
With tensions rising and protests escalating, the state government’s recommendation for his removal marks the most stringent step taken so far in the ongoing controversy.
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