“Just Because They Are Infosys—Are They All Knowing?” Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Slams N.R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty for Skipping Survey

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Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday publicly responded to Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and his wife, author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, for declining participation in the state’s ongoing Social and Educational Survey. The CM dismissed their refusal as based on “misinformation” and questioned their understanding of the survey’s scope.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah remarked, “That is left to them. This is not a backward classes survey. If they haven’t understood—what can I do? Just because they are Infosys—are they all knowing? We have said 20 times—this is not a backward classes survey. This is an entire population survey.” He stressed that the survey encompasses all 7 crore residents of Karnataka, regardless of caste, aiming to collect data on economic, educational, and social parameters.

The controversy arose after officials from the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission visited the Murtys’ residence earlier this week. Sudha Murty reportedly submitted a self-declaration in Kannada opting out of the survey, stating, “We do not belong to any backward community. Hence, we will not participate in a government-conducted survey meant for such groups.” The couple also sent a formal letter expressing that the survey held “no relevance or use” for them.

Siddaramaiah further addressed the possibility of misunderstandings in larger surveys, pointing to future national-level exercises. “The central government is also conducting a survey. What will they do? They might have wrong information,” he said, suggesting that the Murtys’ refusal stemmed from misconceptions rather than informed judgment.

The Murtys’ decision drew public commentary from former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, who criticized the Karnataka government for prioritizing caste-based surveys over development initiatives. “In Karnataka, ministers are more bothered about caste, caste surveys, appeasement, not growth, development, good jobs, or technology. They are taking the state backwards, borrowing money for freebies,” Pai wrote on X.

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