Karnataka seeks to rope in Murthy

With Infosys Chairman and Chief Mentor NR Narayana Murthy set to retire in August, the Karnataka government has said it is interested in employing his services for the state's development.

This comes close on the heels of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's father and former prime minister Deve Gowda publicly taking on Infosys and Murthy.

Gowda had said Infosys did not require the 845 acres which the IT major had sought for expansion in Bangalore. The controversy had led to Murthy stepping down from the chairmanship of Bangalore International Airport Ltd.

"All of us know that Murthy will step down formally soon. This presents us with an opportunity....Surely, talent like this cannot be allowed to remain untapped. He is too precious a commodity whose full potential cannot remain unexploited. We would like to avail of this chance and benefit from his vision, enormous experience and sincere desire to work for Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said, addressing Infosys' silver jubilee celebrations.

"It is my intention to use the services of Murthy to suitably advise us in nurturing the abilities of entrepreneurs in order to show excellent results," he said.

Pointing out that Murthy headed the state's vision group on IT, Kumaraswamy said he expected the group to meet soon for organising Bangalore IT.com, between October 28-31.

"His participation will be a fitting tribute to the celebration of Suvarna Karnataka (golden jubilee of the formation of Karnataka)," the chief minister observed.