Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Friday that Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and author Sudha Murty harbour "some misconceptions" regarding the ongoing social and educational survey in the state. The Chief Minister’s remarks followed the Murthys' public refusal to participate in the survey, where they noted on the pro forma that they do not belong to backward communities.
"There is a notion that this is a survey for backward castes," Siddaramaiah told the media. "It is not a backward classes survey. Let them say what they want. People should understand what this survey is about...."
He was pointed in his criticism of the high-profile rejection: "Should Infosys [founder] mean ‘Brihaspati’ [intelligent]? We have said 20 times it’s not a backward classes survey but a survey for everyone."
The Chief Minister backed his assertion by highlighting the inclusivity of the government’s welfare schemes, such as Shakti, which offers free bus travel to all women on non-luxury government buses, and Gruha Lakshmi, which provides ₹2,000 a month to women heads of families from economically weaker sections.
"Aren’t upper-caste women and those above the poverty line availing the Shakti scheme? Aren’t upper-caste people among the Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries?" he asked.
"Now the Centre is also coming up with a caste census. What answer will they [Murthys] give then? I feel they have the wrong information," he said, reiterating: "I am making it very, very clear—this is not a survey for backward classes but a socio-economic and educational survey of seven crore people of Karnataka."
On speculation regarding a potential leadership change in the state, dubbed ‘November Kranti’ (revolution), Siddaramaiah dismissed the talk. "It’s not a Kranti. What is Kranti? Kranti is revolution. Change is not revolution," he said, adding that the baseless issue should be ignored.
He also clarified the recent cabinet decision banning certain activities on government land and in schools and colleges—widely viewed as a move against RSS programmes. Siddaramaiah stated, "It’s not just about the RSS. Any organisation conducting activities without government permission is not allowed. This rule was actually brought in by the BJP under Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar."
Finally, addressing the upcoming Bihar elections, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc, saying: "People want change. Rahul Gandhi’s march received an overwhelming response. Chances are high for us to win," and confirmed he would attend the campaign if invited.
Also read: No link between dinner meet and cabinet rejig: Siddaramaiah
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