Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday criticised Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy for refusing to take part in the state’s caste-based socio-economic survey.
Calling Sudha Murty’s understanding of the initiative “misguided,” Siddaramaiah said their decision was based on misinformation. He questioned whether the couple would show the same reluctance if a similar caste census were conducted by the Centre.
"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 told reporters.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added that the initiative includes people from all communities.
"This is a survey that is being done, including the entire population. Under the Shakti Yojana, the poor and the upper castes will all be included. There is misinformation about this. The government has conveyed the messages of the ministers and the chief minister to the people through advertisements. It's a survey of seven crore people of the state," he said.
Earlier, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed disappointment over Sudha Murty’s decision, saying it was surprising that a sitting MP would make such statements. He questioned whether her stance was influenced by BJP leaders, considering her association with the party.
"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. 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," Kharge said.
A row erupted after Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy wrote to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, stating they would not share personal details for Karnataka caste survey as they do not identify with any backward community. “Our family will not participate in the census, and we confirm this through this letter,” they wrote.
Karnataka’s socio-economic and educational survey began on September 22 and ended on October 12 across most districts. In Bengaluru, the exercise was extended until October 24. The survey aims to gather data on nearly seven crore residents to assess their social and economic conditions.
(With ANI Inputs)
