‘I’m not sure if Murthy ever visited his office in BIAL...’

INTERVIEW: HD DEVE GOWDA

‘I’m not sure if Murthy ever visited his office in BIAL...’

Financial Express

Former Prime Minister and JD-S supremo HD Deve Gowda came out with allegations against Infosys and its chief, NR Narayana Murthy, last week. He discusses various issues related to the IT industry and Infosys with Jaishankar Jayaramiah. Excerpts:

What is your concern about the IT industry?

I don’t have any concern. In fact, my ministry had cleared the first IT project in the state 15 years ago. My point is that the lands allotted to the IT industry should be utilised for the purpose it was allotted for....

Why point fingers only at Infy?

I don’t have any personal aversion towards Infosys. In my letter to the CM, I have said that some of the IT companies, including Infosys, have already taken substantial land in the name of IT development in different cities. Moreover, Infosys, which is enjoying maximum benefit from the government, provided only 22,000 jobs out of a total of three lakh jobs in Karnataka’s IT industry. The companies, which have not been allotted government land, account for over 80% jobs.

Why allegations against Murthy?

I have been watching the activities of Infosys people since the formation of the Congress-JD (S) government. In fact, a faction in the IT industry, led by Murthy, started lobbying against the government within two months of its formation. They branded me and JD(S) as the stumbling block in the development of Bangalore’s infrastructure. All I can say, is some forces are using the name and fame of Murthy to destabilise the government.

Everyone praises his contribution to the Bangalore airport project. You blame him. Why?

I don’t know what he has contributed. The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) was headed by Murthy for many years. But BIAL has taken more than five years to get the project cleared...I am not sure whether Murthy ever visited his office in BIAL. Instead, he used to convene meetings on his company premises.

Will not Murthy’s resignation affect the project?

I don’t know why this question arises. International airports are not only coming up in Karnataka. They are being constructed in the private sector in Mumbai and Hyderabad and there is no Narayana Murthy heading those projects....

BJP has termed Murthy’s resignation as the first major crack in the economic programme of UPA government. Your comment?

First, let them answer why they have delayed the airport project for more than seven years. Then I will answer their questions.

Do you think ( former CM) SM Krishna is involved in turning the IT industry against you?

Every one knows that he and Murthy are like two sides of a coin. But they can’t shake this farmer’s son.