Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 17: Taking a jibe at the Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty, a nominated Rajya Sabha member, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday publicly criticised the technocrats for “misunderstanding” the intent of the state’s non-mandatory social and educational survey – generally referred to as “caste survey.”
Mr Siddaramaiah emphasised that the exercise was not confined to backward classes only as was the impression given by the Murthys. Responding to a query by media persons in Mysuru about the Infosys co-founder reportedly refusing to participate in the ongoing survey on the ground that they did not belong to any backward class, Mr Siddaramaiah said, ‘’It needs to be understood that this survey is not meant only for backward communities. The government has clarified this earlier. Merely because they are from Infosys does not mean that they are all-knowing.
The controversy erupted after the Murthys refused to participate in the survey, stating that they “do not belong to any backward community” and that the survey “is meant for such groups.” They declined to take part in the ongoing Social and Educational Survey in Karnataka when enumerators reached their home for the survey a few days ago. Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey conducted at our home.”
Sudha Murty has signed a self-declaration letter for refusal to provide information in a pro forma issued by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission for the Social and Educational Survey 2025, sources said. The pro forma reads, “Due to some of my personal reasons, I am refusing to provide information in the Social and Educational Survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.”
Besides what is written in the pro forma, Sudha Murthy reportedly wrote in Kannada, “We do not belong to any backward community. Hence, we will not participate in a government-conducted survey meant for such groups.” Their decision, which has sparked a debate, has drawn strong criticism from the state government which sees the survey as an important step in mapping Karnataka’s socio-economic realities.
“See, it’s left to them. This is not a survey of only the backward classes. If they don’t understand this, what can I say? Are they Brihaspati (the Hindu deity symbolising wisdom) if they are founders of Infosys?” the Chief Minister retorted.
Mr Siddaramaiah remarked, “We have said it 20 times that this is not a survey of backward classes alone. It is the survey of the entire population – a socio-economic and educational survey for all seven crore people of Karnataka. Don’t the upper castes get the benefits of schemes like Shakti or Gruha Lakshmi? I feel the wrong information has gone to them. That is why we have repeatedly given advertisements, and I, ministers, and others have been making statements to create awareness about this.”
Siddaramaiah’s comments follow reports from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials that the Murthys declined to provide data when surveyors visited their home. Sudha Murty even signed a self-declaration form refusing participation.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that the Centre had also decided to undertake a national caste census. “If people like Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty think this is only a survey of backward classes, then they are mistaken. Now the Centre will do the caste census. What will they say then?” he asked. “They might have got the wrong information. This is a socio-economic and educational survey for the entire population.”
He underlined that even upper-caste and affluent groups benefit from government schemes. The Chief Minister referred to two of his flagship welfare schemes – Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi – as examples of inclusive governance. Shakti provides free travel for women in non-luxury state-run buses, while Gruha Lakshmi gives Rs 2,000 per month to women heads of families from economically weaker sections. “It is wrong to think that only backward classes are being covered,” he said.
Despite repeated clarifications, Siddaramaiah expressed frustration that “some misconceptions” persist among sections of the elite. “People should understand what this survey is about. What can I do if they are unable to understand?” he asked. Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi criticised the Murthys’ refusal in even stronger terms, calling it a sign of apathy towards social equity. “This shows their concern for the welfare of backward classes,” Tangadagi said.
The survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, began on September 22 and was initially scheduled to conclude on October 7, but was extended to October 18. The government declared a school holiday until the survey’s completion since many teachers were assigned to survey duties. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured that the academic loss would be compensated through extra classes.
Responding to a social media statement by a Minister of Andhra Pradesh claiming that foreign companies are investing in that State, Mr Siddaramaiah said, “Investors put their money where conditions suit them best. Many have already invested in Karnataka. Have they complained about a lack of infrastructure? The largest iPhone manufacturing investment is in Karnataka. In the Global Investors Meet, Karnataka ranked first in India for attracting investments,” said Mr Siddaramaiah.
Replying to allegations by the Contractors’ Association that the practice of paying commission has continued under the Congress, Mr Siddaramaiah described it as politically motivated to cast aspersion on the government. “Those making such allegations should move the court,” he added.
