EC denies SIR notice to Bharat Ratna CNR Rao over name discrepancy

Reports had earlier suggested that the 92-year-old scientist was required to appear before election officials to establish his identity after a mismatch was detected in his electoral records. The reports gained attention after Rao’s name appeared in a list of electors flagged for discrepancies.

Clarifying the matter, Bengaluru Urban District Election Officer and Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao said no notice had been issued to Rao or his family in connection with the SIR exercise.

According to the election authorities, Rao’s details were reviewed by the Booth Level Officer during the verification process. Officials noted differences between his entry in the 2002 electoral roll and his current voter record. His earlier entry reportedly carried the name “Rama”, while the present roll records him as “Prof. C. N. Rao M”.

The Election Commission said the discrepancy did not result in any summons. Instead, the Booth Level Officer recommended that Rao’s name be retained in the electoral roll following verification. His record was subsequently cleared for inclusion in the final roll.

Rao’s office also said it had not received any physical notice, email or alert concerning such a hearing.

The clarification came after media reports sparked debate over the SIR process and the treatment of prominent citizens during electoral verification.

The episode highlights the importance of accurate voter records while underscoring the Election Commission’s position that CNR Rao was not served an SIR notice.