EC notice to Padma awardee Harekala Hajabba withdrawn

Harekala Hajabba, known as the 'letter saint,' received a notice from the Election Commission.

Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, popularly known as the “letter saint,” was briefly issued a Special Summary Revision notice by Election Commission regarding voter list verification. However, the notice was withdrawn by local Village Accountant hours after delivery.

The discrepancy stems from the 2002 electoral roll, where his name was recorded simply as “Hajabba.”

The discrepancy stems from the 2002 electoral roll, where his name was recorded simply as “Hajabba.” Subsequent official records updated his name to “Harekala Hajabba,” leading to a mismatch during EC’s routine verification process. All official documentation reflect his name as “Harekala Hajabba.”

Hajabba said Anganwadi workers delivered the notice, directing him to appear before Gram Panchayat with original supporting documents on September 11. “All my official documents carry the name ‘Harekala Hajabba,’” he said. He added Village Accountant Ashwini visited him to withdraw the document. Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H said the notice was generated as part of standard verification process.