Siddaramaiah Counters Narayana Murthy’s Stand on Caste Survey: ‘It’s for All, Not Just Backward Classes’

October 17, 2025

Karnataka: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy was “mistaken” in assuming that the ongoing socio-economic and academic survey — popularly known as the caste census — was meant only for backward classes.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Chief Minister clarified that the survey aims to assess the economic, educational, and social conditions of all residents of Karnataka, not just those from backward communities.

“If Narayana Murthy thinks this is a survey meant only for the backward classes, he is mistaken,” Siddaramaiah said. “Even the Central government will eventually conduct a caste census. Will they refuse to participate in that as well?” he asked.

He added that the state’s population of around seven crore people was being covered under the exercise to ensure that developmental policies are data-driven.

‘Survey Covers Entire Population’

Siddaramaiah emphasised that the survey was comprehensive and inclusive, and that misinformation was causing unnecessary controversy.

“It must be understood that this is not a survey only for backward classes. If Infosys people say this, does it mean they are above everyone else?” he remarked. “Just as the Shakti scheme benefits both the poor and the upper castes, this survey, too, includes all sections of society.”

He said that the government had already launched awareness campaigns and advertisements to clarify the survey’s purpose.

Deputy CM: Participation Is Voluntary

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also commented on the matter, stating that no one can be forced to share personal details for the survey.

“It’s their wish to decline. We can’t compel anyone,” Shivakumar said, while appealing to citizens to cooperate voluntarily.

Siddaramaiah Leads by Example

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself took part in the survey at his Bengaluru residence, where he patiently answered all questions for over 45 minutes posed by enumerators conducting the economic, social, and educational data collection.

“Everyone must participate honestly so that accurate data can be obtained about the real condition of society,” he said. “This will help identify the economically, socially, and educationally backward sections and design welfare programmes for their progress.”

Murthys Decline Participation

Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and author-philanthropist Sudha Murty have formally declined to take part in the ongoing caste survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.

In a self-attested letter submitted to the Commission, the couple stated,

“We and our family will not participate in the caste census, and we are confirming it through this letter.”

They added that they do not belong to any backward caste, and their participation would not serve any purpose for the government.

“Hence, we are not taking part in the caste census organised by the Karnataka government,” the letter said.