In the biggest ironies in recent times, Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid won't be able to vote on April 18 for Lok Sabha election as his name was deleted from the voters' list but wasn't re-included. 

But guess what, he is ambassador of Karnataka election commission and the hoarding with him appealing the people to ‘Cast your vote.  Make democracy win’, dotting the streets in the state. 

According to reports, Dravid is himself responsible for this as he failed to submit the Form 6 meant for re-including name in voters'list in time. 

Dravid who lives in Indiranagar 12th Main and his residence falls in the Shantinagar assembly segment in Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency.  Dravid votes in every election and that's why being a neutral celebrity, he was asked by the Election Commission asking to vote. “ We are shocked to learn Dravid cannot vote this time,” an EC official told STOI. 

The problem stemmed from the fact that Dravid's brother Vijay submitted from Form 7 which is meant for deletion of name from the list on October 31st last year. 

The form stated that Dravid and his Vijeta had shifted from Indiranagar to Ashwanthmagar in RMV Extension. 

The EC officials then visited Dravid's residence in Indiranagar and confirmed the status of the request made by Dravid brother and deleted names of Dravid and his wife Vijeta. 

Basawaraju Magi, Domlur sub-division assistant electoral returning officer confirmed that Dravid's brother Vijay had submitted their deletion forms. “ After deletion of names, Dravid did not submit Form 6 (for inclusion of names) to Mathikere sub-division office where the new house is located.  The names would have been added to the list had they submitted Form 6.” 

Magi further said that the first draft of voters'list was published on January 16th this year and people were appealed to check their names and those who names were missing, they were told to submit Form 6 for the re-inclusion.  March 16 was the last date for inclusion of the name in voters'list. 

BCCL

Roopa, Mathikere sub-division assistant electoral returning officer said the booth-level visited Dravid's house but weren't allowed inside, “Our officials visited his house twice, but we were not allowed inside.  We were informed Dravid is touring abroad and there is no message from him to include his name in voters’ list,” she added. 

When contacted, Vijay confirmed that he had submitted Dravid's Form 7. “ I do not know what happened later.  I am not aware,” he said.