Election Commission Clarifies No Notice Served to C N R Rao

The Election Commission has issued a clarification regarding a report claiming that Bharat Ratna awardee and eminent scientist Prof. C.N.R. Rao was served a notice over a name mismatch during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka.

According to the Election Commission, Prof. C.N.R. Rao is a registered voter in Part No. 59 of the 157-Malleswaram Assembly Constituency and his name figures in the current draft electoral roll. The poll panel said the SIR enumeration form was personally handed over to Rao at his residence by senior officials.

A discrepancy was noticed while comparing Rao's details in the current draft electoral roll with those in the 2002 electoral roll. The current draft roll carries the name as “Proff C.N.R. Rao S/O Nagesh Rav. H”, whereas the 2002 electoral roll contains the entry “Rama S/O H. Nagesh”. However, the Election Commission said the discrepancy did not result in a notice being issued to Rao or any member of his family.

Following verification, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) reportedly recommended the electoral record for final approval by the Additional Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) appointed for the SIR process. The AERO approved the record on September 8, 2026, clearing it for inclusion in the final electoral roll.

The clarification comes after a report carried the headline “SIR: Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao served notice over name mismatch”. The Election Commission has described the report as “factually incorrect”, maintaining that no notice was served on the scientist or his family.

The poll panel has also cited statements from the 157-ERO, Malleswaram, along with a video statement from the BLO of Part No. 59, as part of its factual clarification. The Election Commission's clarification effectively puts the record straight on the circumstances surrounding Rao's voter enrollment.

The incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and verification of facts in electoral processes. The Election Commission's prompt clarification has helped to clear up any confusion and ensure the integrity of the electoral roll.

In conclusion, the Election Commission's statement has resolved the issue, and Prof. C.N.R. Rao's voter enrollment has been approved for the final electoral roll. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for accurate and responsible reporting in electoral matters.

The Election Commission's efforts to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll are commendable. The commission's prompt action in clarifying the issue has helped to prevent any further confusion and ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and fair.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of verifying facts and figures before reporting on electoral matters. The media and the public must be vigilant and ensure that accurate information is disseminated to prevent any misinformation or confusion.

In the end, the Election Commission's clarification has put the matter to rest, and Prof. C.N.R. Rao's voter enrollment has been approved. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for accuracy, transparency, and fairness in electoral processes.