Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized Sudha Murthy, a Rajya Sabha MP, and her husband, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, for opting out of the state's ongoing social and educational survey, also known as the caste survey. The Chief Minister questioned their understanding of the survey's purpose and implied their decision might be based on misinformation. The survey, which began on September 22 and has been extended to October 18, aims to collect comprehensive socio-economic data on the state's population.

Siddaramaiah, addressing the media in Mysuru on October 17, asserted that the survey is not limited to backward classes but encompasses the entire population of Karnataka. He questioned the couple's rationale, saying, "Just because they are Infosys – are they all-knowing?". He reiterated that the government has clarified multiple times that it is not a backward-class survey but a survey for the entire population. He further added, "We have clarified many times, even after that Sudha and Narayan Murthy think it is a backward classes survey. It is wrong".

The Chief Minister also raised concerns about their potential response to a similar survey conducted by the central government in the future. "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". He stressed that the survey aims to gather economic, educational, and social data on the state's approximately seven crore residents.

Sudha Murthy and Narayana Murthy reportedly declined to participate when enumerators visited their residence, stating that they do not belong to any backward community and therefore would not participate in a government exercise meant for such groups. Sudha Murthy also wrote in Kannada that they do not belong to any backward community and therefore will not take part. They signed self-declaration forms asserting that they do not belong to any backward caste and refused to provide their information via the pro forma issued by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission. Sources indicated the couple maintained that the ongoing survey would serve no purpose in their case.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. However, other political figures have criticized the Murthys' decision, with Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad calling it "the height of hypocrisy," alleging it amounts to concealing vital public information. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge suggested that Sudha Murthy might be inspired by BJP leaders who had given an open call to the public to not participate in the survey.

The Karnataka High Court has clarified that participation in the survey is optional and voluntary. The court also stated that enumerators should not persuade or compel individuals to participate if they decline. The survey, which involves teachers, has led to school closures, with make-up classes planned to compensate for lost instructional time.

The controversy surrounding the caste survey continues, raising questions about the scope, relevance, and public perception of the exercise.