‘Disobedient, misinformed’: What Karnataka leaders said about Sudha Murty opting out of caste survey

Karnataka's leaders criticized Sudha and Narayana Murthy for opting out of the state's Social and Educational Survey.

A wave of criticism has emerged from Karnataka's political leadership after prominent public figures, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, declined to take part in the state’s ongoing Social and Educational Survey.

The Murthys' decision to pot out of the caste survey in Bengaluru raises questions about their motives and political affiliations amidst ongoing data collection efforts in Karnataka.(ANI file)

State Minister HK Patil voiced his disappointment on Friday, suggesting that the Murthys may have misinterpreted the purpose of the initiative. "It is unfortunate she (Sudha Murty) misunderstood this socio-economic survey being conducted. This is to identify the backwardness considering the socio-economic conditions. There is no reason why any sane thinking person should refuse to give this information," Patil said, as per news agency ANI.

The Murthys, who cited their non-affiliation with any backward caste as the reason for opting out, have come under scrutiny from multiple state officials.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, labelling their interpretation of the survey as misinformed. “It is wrong to think of the survey as a survey of the backward classes. The central government will also conduct a caste census in the coming days. Will they still not cooperate? They may be showing such disobedience due to the misinformation they have. The state has a population of about seven crore, and this is an economic, educational and social survey of these people,” Siddaramaiah said, as quoted by the agency.

He further pointed out that the survey spans all communities, rich or poor, across castes, under welfare initiatives like the Shakti Yojana. He emphasized that the state government has made extensive efforts to clarify the survey’s goals through advertisements and public communication.

Adding to the chorus of concern, Minister Priyank Kharge also questioned the rationale behind Sudha Murty’s public stand. He found it surprising that a sitting MP would object to a state-backed initiative of such scale and importance. “The Caste Census is a government initiative. First of all, it is a survey that includes a wealth of additional information. It is surprising that a member of parliament makes such statements,” he said.

“Clearly, I think it is inspired by other BJP leaders or the co-direction, saying it is voluntary, but more is expected from people like them because they inspire many generations and continue to do so. However, saying that I will not participate in a government survey is not right. You could have refused to answer a few questions at most,” he added.

(With inputs from ANI)