"What goes against me? Seniority. You are discriminated against because the founders have spent longer years," Pai told The Indian Express from Bengaluru. "I know the law, so long as the founders are there, professionals who are late entrants will not get a chance."

Pai's remarks seemed to highlight the growing discord between him and the Infosys top management, many of whom have been his colleagues for nearly two decades. The comments also hinted at a bitter parting of ways and were in complete contrast to his earlier stance that there was no discord or acrimony, especially between him and Shibulal, widely expected to be the incoming CEO. Infosys, which has always prided itself on unity and discipline, suddenly seemed to appear like a company in deep trouble and torn by management turmoil.