Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah questioned the couple’s grasp of the survey’s purpose. “Are the people from Infosys some kind of experts? Just because they are from Infosys, do they know everything?” he remarked. “Their refusal stems from misinformation or ignorance. This survey covers seven crore people to collect crucial social, economic, and educational data for welfare policy-making.”

The Murthys had submitted a letter on October 10 to the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes stating: “We do not belong to any backward community. Hence, this survey will serve no purpose in our case, and we choose not to participate.” Citing personal reasons, they declined to share information with enumerators who visited their Jayanagar home in Bengaluru.

Though the Karnataka High Court has clarified that participation in the survey is voluntary, the couple’s decision has drawn strong political reactions. Congress MLC B K Hariprasad condemned the refusal as “the height of hypocrisy,” posting on social media, “Those preaching transparency and ethics are now hiding behind privilege and selective silence.”

IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge suggested Sudha Murty may have been influenced by BJP leaders opposing the survey. “She could have opted out of some questions but not rejected the entire survey,” he said.

Meanwhile, deputy CM D K Shivakumar and labour minister Santhosh Lad said they respected the couple’s personal choice.

The controversy deepened after the Murthys’ self-declaration letter, promised to be confidential, was leaked publicly. Former BJP minister S Suresh Kumar criticised the government, stating, “The state assured the High Court and public that all information would be kept confidential. This leak is a betrayal of trust and a violation of privacy.” He demanded an explanation from the chief minister, alleging government incompetence or deceit.

The episode highlights growing political tensions over the caste survey, raising issues around privacy, accountability, and the handling of sensitive citizen data in Karnataka.