A file photo of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Taking a jibe at Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy for declining to take part in the social and educational survey, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the exercise is not confined to backward classes.
Responding to a query by mediapersons in Mysuru on October 17 about the Infosys co-founder refusing to participate in the ongoing social and educational survey on the ground that the couple did not belong to any backward class, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, ‘’It needs to be understood that this survey is not meant only for backward communities. The government has clarified this earlier. Merely because they are from Infosys does not mean that they are all-knowing.
“The survey covers all sections of the population. The benefits of welfare programmes, including the guarantee schemes, are availed of by both the poor and the upper class people.
“Under Shakti scheme, women – be it from the backward class or the upper class – are availing benefits.”
The Chief Minister said that the survey covers 7 crore people in Karnataka, and it is incorrect to label it as a backward class survey.
“The Central Government too will eventually conduct a caste census. Will they refuse to cooperate with them as well?’’
Mr. Siddaramaiah remarked that the couple’s stance to not share information seems to stem from some misunderstanding.
The survey covers and assesses the economic, educational, and social status of 7 crore people of Karnataka, he added.
Investment in Karnataka and on ban on activities of RSS in government premises
Responding to a tweet by a Minister of Andhra Pradesh claiming that foreign companies are investing in that State, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Investors put their money where conditions suit them best. Many have already invested in Karnataka. Have they complained about a lack of infrastructure? The largest iPhone manufacturing investment is in Karnataka. In the Global Investors Meet, Karnataka ranked first in India for attracting investments,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah.
Replying to allegations by the Contractors’ Association that the practice of paying commission has continued under the Congress, Mr. Siddaramaiah described it as politically motivated to cast aspersion on the government. “Those making such allegations should move the court,” he added.
On the ban on activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in public places and government land without permission, Mr. Siddaramaiah said it applies to all organisations, and not just the RSS. ‘’The order was initially moved when the BJP was in power and Jagadish Shettar was the chief minister in 2013,” he added.
On the ‘November revolution’, alluding to BJP leaders claiming that the State will have a new Chief Minister, Mr. Siddaraiamaih urged the media not to give traction to such statements. “Ignore it as there will neither be a revolution or any change,” he added.
Published – October 17, 2025 04:34 pm IST
