Madhya Pradesh Government Takes Action Against IAS Officer Santosh Verma for Objectionable Comments

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Santosh Verma, an IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh, is under the spotlight for making controversial remarks on casteism and reservations. Following his remarks, the MP government has issued a show-cause notice to Officer Verma. The Senior IAS officer reportedly made these comments at the AJAKS State Convention in Bhopal on 23 November 2025. 

Controversial Statement and Community Outrage

Senior IAS officer Santosh Verma made an objectionable remark about Brahmin girls at a provincial meeting in Bhopal. The officer, who is also the president of the AJJAKS association, reportedly said, "Reservation should be given to only one person in a family until a Brahmin donates his daughter to my son or has a relationship with her." The video of this alleged statement quickly went viral across social media.

Brahmin organizations severely condemned his remarks as indecent, casteist, and extremely insulting to Brahmin daughters. They demanded an immediate First Information Report (FIR) against the bureaucrat for his remarks. The All India Brahmin Samaj warned of a statewide protest if no criminal case was registered against the officer. Additionally, they alleged that the comments violated the Civil Service (Conduct) Rules.

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Government's Disciplinary Action and Officer's Apology

The Madhya Pradesh government immediately issued a show-cause notice to IAS officer Santosh Verma as soon as complaints were raised. The notice was sent by the General Administration Department, which termed the officer’s controversial statement a serious breach of service conduct. The government also stated that his comments were inconsistent with the dignity and conduct expected of an IAS officer.

His act was described as indiscipline, arbitrariness, and serious misconduct. Verma was warned that his remarks violated the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1967. He was given seven days to respond to the notice or face unilateral action.

Amid mounting pressure and widespread protest, Santosh Verma issued an apology. He claimed his comments were taken out of context and propagated only in part. He said, "My speech was 27 minutes long. A 2-second clip is being circulated selectively.”

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Will this controversy, which is not the first for IAS officer Santosh Verma, lead to his immediate suspension or dismissal from service?