Election Commission of India delists 334 registered unrecognised political parties for failure to follow norms

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) for failing to meet the mandatory condition of contesting even a single election since 2019 and for being physically untraceable.After the exercise, out of 2,854 RUPPs, 2,520 remain. There are 6 national parties and 67 state parties at present.

Key Details

• Reason for Delisting:
  • No participation in Lok Sabha, Assembly, or by-elections since 2019.
  • No functional/traceable office addresses.
• Legal Basis:
  • Registration under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951).
  • Supreme Court has barred derecognition of parties, but delisting is permitted.
  • Delisted parties can be re-listed without fresh recognition if they meet requirements.
• Context:
  • This is part of an ongoing political system clean-up.
  • In June 2025, proceedings began against 345 such parties; 334 were eventually delisted.
  • Past issues with some RUPPs: tax law violations, money laundering concerns.
• Impact:
  • Delisted parties cannot contest elections.
  • Comes ahead of Bihar Assembly elections.

Static Part — Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)

• Definition: Political parties registered with ECI but neither recognised as national nor state parties.
• Privileges: Tax exemptions, eligibility for certain electoral benefits, access to electoral rolls, etc.
• Registration Process:
  • Under Section 29A, RPA, 1951.
  • Must have a written constitution, list of office-bearers, membership details, and adherence to democratic principles.
• Recognition Criteria (ECI):
  • Based on vote share and seat performance in elections (varies for state/national status).
    
    Updated: August 9, 2025, 2:58 PM IST | Source: The Hindu / PTI