Narayana Murthy ‘was in hospital, got him discharged’: Sudha Murty as Infosys founder votes in Bengaluru

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty cast their votes in Bengaluru South.

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and wife Sudha Murty were among the early voters in Bengaluru as Karnataka sees the first phase of polling in the Lok Sabha election. Sudha Murty said the 77-year-old Infosys founder came to vote, despite ill health.

Narayana Murthy voted in Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat. (X/@ANI)

"Narayana Murthy was unwell and he was in the hospital. We got him discharged, and after voting, we are taking him home," Sudha Murty was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

She said she had travel plans, but wanted to come and vote before that.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka lauded the software icon for coming to vote right after his hospital stay.

“Infosys co-founder NR Narayan Murthy, 77, set an inspiring example by requesting permission from hospital authorities to leave and cast his vote, showcasing his commitment as a citizen of the country,” the Chief Electoral Officer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

After casting his vote, Murthy urged others to exercise their democratic rights.

“Once in five years, we get an opportunity to execute the right given by our Constitution to choose whatever candidate from whichever party he or she is, to govern us," he told news agency ANI.

“Therefore, today is a very happy day. Today is a day when we should all be enthusiastic to exercise that power.”

Listen to what Narayana Murthy said after casting his vote:

The Murthys voted at a polling booth in Jayanagar, which falls in the high-profile Bengaluru South constituency.

The BJP candidate from Bangalore South, Tejasvi Surya, offered prayers at his home in the morning, ahead of casting his vote. Sowmya Reddy from the Congress is taking on Surya in the constituency.

Karnataka is voting on 14 seats in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. An estimated 9.21 per cent turnout was reported during the first two hours since voting began in the state.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, actor Prakash Raj and Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena were among the other early voters in Bengaluru.