Will the MP government take action against IAS officer Verma for his controversial remarks?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Government action against IAS officer Santosh Verma.
- Controversial remarks about Brahmin women.
- Community protests demanding accountability.
- Emphasis on social harmony and discipline.
- Verma's clarification and apology.
Bhopal, Dec 5 (NationPress) Senior BJP figure and Madhya Pradesh's Minister for Urban Affairs and Housing, Kailash Vijayvargiya, declared on Friday that the state administration intends to impose penalties on IAS officer Santosh Verma due to his purportedly inappropriate comments about women from the Brahmin community.
In response to inquiries regarding the delay in action against Verma, Vijayvargiya characterized the IAS officer's statements as 'extremely objectionable' and emphasized that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's government will not accept such behavior and is actively seeking to hold him accountable.
"The remarks made by Santosh Verma are regrettable and highly objectionable. The government is making efforts to ensure he is punished," Vijayvargiya stated while addressing the media as he arrived at the Vidhan Sabha for the ongoing Winter Session.
Additionally, Vishwamitra Pathak, a BJP MLA representing the Sihawal Assembly in Sidhi, indicated that CM Mohan Yadav has promised stringent action against Verma, referencing a recent meeting with a group of Brahmin MLAs from both the BJP and Congress.
It is important to note that Verma, during a local event for the Madhya Pradesh Anusuchit Jati-Janjati Adhikari Evam Karmachari Sangh (AJJAKS) on November 23 in Bhopal, allegedly remarked, "Reservation should persist until a Brahmin gives away his daughter to my son, or if she engages in a relationship with him, provided it’s solely for economic reasons."
He had recently been appointed as the new State president of the group at that event.
Following his comments, Verma offered an apology, clarifying that by "giving away," he was referring to 'Kanyadan' (the Hindu tradition of giving a daughter in marriage) and aimed to highlight the 'roti-beti' culture that encourages inter-caste marriages.
However, his statements sparked protests from Brahmin organizations and leaders, who deemed them derogatory towards women, demanding a formal complaint and disciplinary measures against the bureaucrat.
The State Government has also issued a show-cause notice to Verma, indicating that his comments prima facie were seen as “damaging social harmony and inciting discord within society” and constituted “indiscipline and serious misconduct.”