Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, is facing significant online criticism after purchasing a luxury apartment worth ₹50 crore in Bengaluru’s Kingfisher Towers. This move has sparked debate because Murthy is known for promoting a life of simplicity and discipline. The high-value acquisition stands in stark contrast to his public persona, leading to widespread discussions on social media regarding perceived contradictions in his messaging.
Murthy’s purchase joins that of his wife, Sudha Murty, who bought a ₹29 crore apartment in the same building four years ago. The criticism is particularly sharp given his past advocacy for austerity and work-centric lifestyles, such as his recent call for a 70-hour workweek for young professionals, which had already drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Many online users have highlighted this purchase as being at odds with Murthy’s values of restraint and modesty. However, others have defended the move, pointing to Murthy’s contributions to India’s IT sector and wealth creation.
The debate continues to trend, illustrating the intense scrutiny public figures face when their actions appear inconsistent with their principles.