Narayana Murthy boycotts Karnataka caste survey, sparking backlash from CM Siddaramaiah

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, have opted out of Karnataka's ongoing caste survey, citing that they do not belong to a backward community, a decision that has ignited controversy and drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The survey, officially the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, aims to collect data on castes and communities to inform policy on reservations and welfare schemes, but has faced resistance from prominent figures like the Murthy family, leading to calls for boycotts of Infosys products and services.

Siddaramaiah has accused the family of "disobedience due to misinformation" and questioned their authority on the matter. The incident highlights tensions between the government's push for caste-based data collection and perceptions of privilege among India's business elite, as the survey seeks to address inequalities in a state where backward classes form a significant portion of the population.

Murthy family's refusal to participate

Narayana Murthy confirmed his stance, stating: "It is right for us not to participate." He explained that since he and his family do not belong to a backward community, they do not see the need to take part in the survey, which is primarily aimed at identifying and uplifting underprivileged groups. Sudha Murty, a nominated Rajya Sabha member, also declined, aligning with her husband's position. The couple's decision came after enumerators visited their Bengaluru residence as part of the statewide door-to-door survey launched in April 2025.

Their son Rohan Murty and daughter-in-law Lakshmi Venu also refused to participate, further escalating the issue. Murthy defended the choice, noting the survey's focus on backward communities and questioning its relevance to those not qualifying for reservations. The family's stance has been seen as a form of protest against what they perceive as an intrusive exercise, but it has also been criticised for displaying apathy towards social justice initiatives.

Siddaramaiah's sharp response

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit back strongly, stating, "The socio-educational survey is not limited to backward communities. It covers seven crore people in Karnataka, and it is incorrect to label it as a backward class survey." He accused the Murthy family of acting out of "misinformation" and questioned their expertise: "Are they experts?" Siddaramaiah further remarked: "Being from Infosys does not mean Narayana Murthy knows everything." He emphasised that the survey is essential for ensuring equitable distribution of resources and reservations, and refusal to participate amounts to "showing disobedience due to misinformation."

The CM's comments came amid growing frustration with industry leaders like Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and TV Mohandas Pai, who have publicly criticised the survey as divisive or unnecessary. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly defended the exercise, stating it is crucial for social justice and that "the survey covers all castes and communities." His remarks have fueled a political narrative portraying business elites as disconnected from ground realities.

Boycott calls and public backlash

The Murthy family's refusal has led to calls for boycotts of Infosys services, with social activists and some Congress supporters urging a "public reckoning" for what they see as elite apathy. Critics argue that such high-profile opt-outs undermine the survey's credibility and discourage participation from other affluent groups. Deccan Herald columnist Jagdish Rattanani examined the issue, stating: "The privilege of disconnect is on full display." The boycott movement, though nascent, highlights class-caste divides, with lower-caste groups accusing the elite of resisting data that could expose inequalities.

Other industry leaders like Mazumdar-Shaw and Pai have echoed Murthy's sentiments, with Pai stating the survey is "flawed" and Mazumdar-Shaw calling it "unnecessary for non-backward communities." Siddaramaiah responded by questioning their authority: "Are Infosys people akin to God?" The backlash has hit a snag in Bengaluru, where urban elites' resistance has slowed enumerator progress, with only 60% coverage in some areas.

Context of the caste survey

The Karnataka caste survey, launched in April 2025 by the Siddaramaiah government, aims to gather socio-economic data on all communities to revise reservation policies, potentially increasing quotas for backward classes. It covers seven crore people, including forward castes, to ensure comprehensive data for welfare schemes. The exercise has faced opposition from Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, who fear reduced benefits, but the Murthy family's refusal has brought class privilege into focus. Rattanani wrote: "Caste and Class: Privilege of Disconnect Examined," highlighting how elites view the survey as irrelevant.

The survey's snag in Bengaluru stems from low participation in affluent areas, with enumerators facing resistance from residents citing privacy concerns. Siddaramaiah has urged compliance, stating: "The survey is for the benefit of all, not just backward classes."

The controversy has angered Siddaramaiah, who sees industry leaders' opposition as undermining his social justice agenda. It could delay the survey's completion, originally targeted for December 2025, affecting reservation reforms ahead of the 2026 elections. The boycott calls, though symbolic, highlight growing class-caste divides in urban Karnataka.