'Inspired By BJP Leaders': Karnataka Minister On Sudha, Narayana Murthy’s Caste Survey Refusal

Last Updated:October 16, 2025, 16:05 IST

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said that her step is "inspired" by other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Left: Congress mInister Priyank Khargre; Right: Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have declined to take part in Karnataka’s caste survey. Reacting to the same, Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad has said that it’s completely her choice to be or not to be a part of it, adding that she boycotting it doesn’t imply that other people will also follow her.

“It’s her choice. As a government, we cannot force anyone to come and share what they want to share. We only need to consider her expression. So, I don’t think it will have any impact on society. Just because she has boycotted, it doesn’t mean that thousands of people will follow suit," Lad said.

“I don’t believe that will happen. She has to say the same thing to the central government, right? The central government has offered a 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker section. She also needs to comment on this. The central government has now announced that it will conduct a caste survey. She has to speak on everything," he added.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has also reacted to the news and said that her step is “inspired" by other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“The Caste Census is a government initiative. First of all, it is a survey that includes a lot of other information as well. It is surprising that a member of parliament makes such statements. Clearly, I think it is inspired by other BJP leaders or the co-direction, claiming it is voluntary, but more is expected from people like them because they inspire many generations and continue to do so," Priyank Kharge said.

“However, saying that I will not participate in a survey is not right. You could have refused to answer a few questions at most. The survey is only to understand the socio-economic and educational conditions of the people of Karnataka. If you are getting three meals a day, it is definitely not for you. However, we would have liked to know the socio-economic conditions of everyone," he added.

Why Did Sudha Murthy and Narayana Murthy Say No To The Caste Survey

Sudha Murthy and Narayana Murthy decided not to be a part of the caste survey. When enumerators came for the survey a few days ago, Sudha Murthy and Narayana Murthy reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey conducted at our home."

Sudha Murthy has signed a self-declaration letter for refusal to provide information in a pro forma issued by the Karnataka State Backwards Classes Commission for the Social and Educational Survey 2025, reported PTI, citing sources.

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 Backwards Classes Commission."

Besides what is written in the pro forma, Sudha Murty 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."

Karnataka Caste Survey

The caste survey began on September 22 and was initially planned to end on October 7, but the government later extended it to October 18. Several teachers are engaged in conducting the survey, the state has declared holidays for schools until October 18. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the missed academic days will be made up through additional classes, ensuring that students do not face any academic loss.

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...

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News politics 'Inspired By BJP Leaders': Karnataka Minister On Sudha, Narayana Murthy’s Caste Survey Refusal

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