‘Surprising’: Priyank Kharge on Sudha Murty’s decision to opt out of socio-economic survey

BENGALURU: Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge expressed his disappointment after Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty opted out of the socio-economic survey. He said it was surprising that a member of parliament would make such statements.

He questioned whether Murty’s decision was influenced by BJP leaders, given her association with the party. Kharge emphasised that while participation is voluntary, refusing to participate altogether is not the right approach.

Speaking to reporters, Priyank Kharge said, “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”.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On reports of Infosys founder chairperson Sudha Murty opting out of Karnataka’s socio-economic survey, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, “The Caste Census is a government initiative. First of all, it is a survey that includes a lot of other information… pic.twitter.com/OKmDKFJilB

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2025

He further said that giving it in writing is not a good gesture. “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 further added.

The comment comes after Sudha Murty and her husband and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, declined to participate in the socio-economic and education survey, commonly known as the caste survey in Karnataka, being conducted by the Congress-led government in the state.

Murty, in a self-attested letter to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, stated that the family’s refusal to participate in the survey was due to their belief that they do not belong to a backward community and therefore would not participate in this survey.

In the letter, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty stated that they were refusing to provide personal details. “We and our family will not participate in the census, and we are confirming it through this letter,” the letter read.

Karnataka’s socio-economic and educational survey started on September 22 and is scheduled to conclude on October 12 for the rest of the State, and on October 24 for Bengaluru, following an extension from the original October 7 deadline. The survey aims to enumerate approximately seven crore people in the state and gain insight into their social and economic status within society. (ANI)