Rao has been directed to appear for a hearing in person in Bengaluru's Malleshwaram, near the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), to resolve the issue. Screengrab: ANI
SIR: Karnataka CEO denies notice to Bharat Ratna scientist CNR Rao
Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer admitted the discrepancy in Rao's name in electoral rolls
A difference of an extra ‘f’ in his name in the earlier and current electoral rolls has reportedly led to a notice being issued over "self-name mismatch" to Bharat Ratna awardee scientist CNR Rao in relation to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Karnataka. While his name appears in the earlier electoral rolls as 'Prof CNR Rao', the current rolls list it as 'Proff CNR Rao'.
However, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, in a statement on X, denied any such notice being issued to Rao.
A representative from Rao’s office said that they have not received the notice so far, adding that it might have been put online on the Election Commission (EC) website.
"It appears to have been put online on the ECI website. I am not clear about that one; I have not seen it," said the representative as quoted by NDTV.
Elaborating further, the representative stated that apart from the extra ’f’ in the word ‘Proff ’, there was no other issue.
'No notice to Rao': CEO, Karnataka
Refuting media reports, Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer admitted the discrepancy in Rao's name in earlier and current electoral rolls but said that he was not issued with any such notice in view of his "stature and contribution."
"Respected Bharat Ratna Awardee Professor C.N.R. Rao is a voter from Part No 59 in 157 - Malleswaram Assembly Constituency as per current draft voter list. As per Current Draft Voter List the Name appears as "Proff C.N.R. Rao S/O Nagesh Rav. H" where as in 2002 Voter List the name appears as Rama S/O H. Nagesh," the official stated.
"During SIR process, enumeration form was respectfully handed over to him at his residence by the State SVEEP Nodal Officer, Commissioner, Bengaluru West City Corporation, ERO - Malleswaram and BLO of Part No 59. Since, we are aware of his stature and contribution, we did not serve any notice to him or to his family members. BLO without serving any notice to him rightfully recommended for final approval to the Additional Electoral Registration Officer appointed for the purpose. On 8th September 2026, AERO approved the record for addition in the final roll," added the official.
Asked to attend hearing
"According to the office records and email, there is no notice as of now. A physical letter also has not reached us,” added the representative.
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As per the notice, Rao has been directed to appear for a hearing in person in Bengaluru's Malleshwaram, near the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), to resolve the issue, reported IANS. Only the person who has received the notice is permitted to appear for the hearing.
The “self-mismatch” issue in Prof CNR Rao’s electoral records relates to a discrepancy between his details in the 2002 electoral roll and the current electoral roll.
How ‘self-mismatch’ works
Under the process, an elector who is also listed in the 2002 roll uses their details from that roll while filling the SIR enumeration form. A “Self-mismatch” arises when those details do not match the person’s entry in the current electoral roll.
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Rao’s acquaintances at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) told The Hindu that Rao scarcely uses a phone. He rarely makes calls and does not check his email himself, as he finds phones and computers distracting.
CNR Rao’s scientific career
Rao is known for his work in solid-state and structural chemistry and is regarded as a scientist who has received almost every major award possible in his field, barring the Nobel Prize.
Also Read: Karnataka SIR: EC revises schedule, BLO house visits to continue till August 17
Rao has also had a long association with India’s science policy. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and later headed the councils to four Prime Ministers, Rajiv Gandhi, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral and Manmohan Singh.
His contributions have extended to Bengaluru as well. Rao headed the IISc and founded the JNCASR in Jakkur, where he served as its founding president.
He has received several major honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri and Karnataka Ratna, apart from several other awards.