Bhopal- The controversy surrounding IAS officer Santosh Verma in Madhya Pradesh is not calming down but is instead taking new turns with every passing day. The issue has not remained confined to just a notice or departmental action; it has now escalated into a major matter linked to caste organizations, political rhetoric, and administrative credibility. On one side, the Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe Officers and Employees Association (AJJAKS) has come out openly in support of Santosh Verma, while several Brahmin community organizations are pressuring the government to take strict action against the officer.

This entire controversy has now taken the form of "the validity of the notice versus caste identity." Below, we explain why this matter is continuously escalating.

The AJJAKS association has described this as a one-sided and incorrect action and has started submitting memorandums at district headquarters across the state. The association claims that this step not only targets Santosh Verma but also reflects a prejudiced attitude toward officers from the SC-ST category.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, AJJAKS spokesperson Vijay Shankar Shravan said: "The government has taken arbitrary action against Santosh Verma without solid evidence and without a satisfactory investigation. This is sending the wrong message to society. Actions of this kind harm social harmony. Our clear demand is that the notice be withdrawn immediately and the entire process be conducted transparently."

AJJAKS asserts that Santosh Verma is a competent officer and that the action taken against him is based on prejudice. The association has alleged that the way the issue has been amplified resembles "targeting officers from a specific class."

Brahmin Organizations' Demand: 'Strict Action Must Be Taken, Investigation Should Be Handled by the Central Government'

Meanwhile, prominent organizations from the Brahmin community are upset over this issue. Their allegation is that Santosh Verma has allegedly made statements, given instructions, or taken actions that have defamed their community.

In this context, Rewa MP Janardan Mishra has written a letter to the Central Ministry of Personnel, demanding an investigation into Santosh Verma's promotion and his entire career. Several Brahmin organizations are pressuring the government by framing it as "a matter of the community's self-respect."

Their argument is that this is not merely an administrative error; it is a symbol of social discord and bias, so the investigation should not be handled by the state government but by the central government. Former minister Dr. Narottam Mishra has also demanded action against Santosh Verma.

What ignited the storm?

The AJJAKS provincial convention was held on November 23 at Ambedkar Maidan in Bhopal, where senior IAS officer Santosh Verma was elected as the provincial president. During this event, one of his remarks came to light, in which he said, "Reservation should be given to one person in a family until a Brahmin gives his daughter in marriage to my son or forms a relationship with him."

As soon as this statement's video surfaced, a wave of opposition spread on social media. Several organizations, political leaders, and women described it as insulting to women and a specific caste. Meanwhile, the cycle of protests and submitting memorandums also gained momentum. However, Santosh Verma and his supporters are calling it a "baseless complaint."

On the night of November 27, the state's General Administration Department (GAD) issued a notice to Santosh Verma, directing him to respond within 7 days. The notice states that the statement given at the AJJAKS provincial convention on November 23 violates the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1967, and action may be taken if a satisfactory response is not received. The notice includes a clear warning that if no response is given within the stipulated time, the government will be free to take unilateral action.

As the controversy grows, campaigning on social media from both sides has intensified. On one hand, many users are demanding strict action against Santosh Verma, while on the other hand, a large number of people have come out in his support. Supporters claim that the video related to Santosh Verma has been distorted and presented out of context, and an atmosphere is being created against him without verification. This digital tug-of-war has heated up the entire controversy even more.

What Does the Actual Analysis of the Video Say?

The 7-second video being circulated and gone viral on social media is actually just a small snippet from Santosh Verma's nearly 12-minute full speech. Upon listening to the entire video, it becomes clear that Verma was citing the ongoing debate on implementing reservation on an economic basis, while promoting inter-caste marriages, social harmony, and equality in society.

However, this small portion of the speech was isolated and made viral, and without context, its meaning completely changed. This edited 7-second clip has become the biggest reason for the escalation of the controversy.

On one side, AJJAKS is demanding the withdrawal of the notice and has warned that if it is not done, there will be protests across the province. On the other side, the Brahmin community is repeatedly emphasizing action. The government wants to keep both sides calm, but no clear solution is in sight at present.