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MP Deputy CM Slams IAS Officer Over "Perverted Mindset" Caste Remarks

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla has strongly condemned an IAS officer's controversial caste-based remarks. The senior Brahmin leader described the comments as reflecting a "perverted mindset" and damaging to social harmony. The state government has issued a show-cause notice to officer Santosh Verma demanding an explanation. The controversy erupted after Verma questioned the continuation of caste-based reservations at a public event.

Key Points: MP Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla Condemns IAS Officer Caste Remarks

  • Deputy CM condemns IAS officer's controversial caste-based remarks as objectionable
  • Government issues show-cause notice demanding written explanation within seven days
  • Officer's comments sparked protests from multiple caste groups across MP
  • Verma questioned reservation continuation at literary event in Bhopal
2 min read

'Perverted mindset': MP Dy CM slams IAS officer over controversial caste-based remarks

Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla condemns IAS officer Santosh Verma's controversial caste-based remarks, calling them "objectionable" and damaging to social harmony.

"Such a remark made against women belongs to any community is a reflection of a perverted mindset. - Rajendra Shukla"

Bhopal, Nov 25

Responding to the widespread criticism over senior IAS officer Santosh Verma’s controversial statement on Brahmin girls, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Thursday said that such remarks targeting any particular community will not be tolerated.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, a senior Brahmin leader from Rewa district in Vindhya region, condemned Verma’s controversial statement, terming it extremely “objectionable” and “insensitive” and as disrupting social harmony.

“Such a remark made against women belongs to any community is a reflection of a perverted mindset. Such remarks from an officer holding a high rank not only hurt social harmony but also raised questions about administrative dignity,” Shukla wrote on X.

Shukla further said that the government's stand on such serious issues is very clear, and the officer has sought a reply to his statement.

“Necessary action will also be taken if the response of the officer is not satisfactory,” he said.

Notably, the Madhya Pradesh government late on Wednesday issued a strongly worded show-cause notice to senior IAS Verma for his controversial public statements questioning the continuation of caste-based reservations.

Verma, a promoted IAS, who is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, has been asked to submit a written explanation within seven days, warning that failure to reply will invite unilateral departmental action without further intimation.

The storm erupted on November 22, when Verma, speaking at a literary event in Bhopal, reportedly described reservations as having "served their original purpose" and now being "exploited as a permanent political tool".

Video footage of the speech spread rapidly on social media, provoking immediate backlash from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC organisations, as well as an unexpected wave of protests from Brahmin groups who accused the officer of "insulting constitutional guarantees".

By Monday morning, demonstrators from various social outfits had gathered outside the Vallabh Bhawan -- state secretariat, burning effigies and demanding an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act alongside Verma's immediate suspension.

Placards reading "Bureaucrats cannot rewrite the Constitution" and "Protect Babasaheb's legacy" dominated the protests.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree the officer's remarks were inappropriate, I wish our politicians showed the same urgency in addressing actual caste discrimination that still exists in rural areas. This feels more like political posturing.
A
Arjun K
As a civil service aspirant, this is really disappointing. IAS officers should be role models for social harmony, not creating divisions. Hope this serves as a lesson for all government officials.
S
Sarah B
Good to see swift action! In a diverse country like India, public servants must be extra careful with their words. The constitution protects all communities equally. 🇮🇳
M
Meera T
The fact that both SC/ST groups AND Brahmin organizations protested together shows how offensive these remarks were. When will people learn that caste-based politics helps no one?
V
Vikram M
Seven days to respond is too lenient! Such officers should be suspended immediately. They forget they're servants of the people, not masters. Jai Hind! 🙏

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