Why has ECI identified 476 registered unrecognised political parties for delisting?
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Synopsis
In a decisive action to enhance the electoral process, the ECI has identified 476 unrecognised political parties for delisting due to their inactivity in elections over the past six years, aiming for a more transparent political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- 476 RUPPs targeted for delisting.
- Most affected parties are from Uttar Pradesh.
- Delisting part of ECI's strategy to clean the electoral system.
- Show-cause notices issued to ensure fairness.
- Parties can appeal within 30 days.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to refine the electoral landscape, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has pinpointed 476 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for delisting. This action stems from their inability to participate in any elections over the past six years, an official confirmed on Monday.
Among the 476 parties flagged by the ECI, Uttar Pradesh has the highest count with 121, followed by Maharashtra with 44, Tamil Nadu with 42, and Delhi with 41, according to the commission.
“To implement a thorough and ongoing strategy aimed at purging the electoral system, the ECI has been undertaking a nationwide effort to identify and delist RUPPs that have not met the fundamental requirement of contesting a single election for six consecutive years since 2019,” the ECI stated.
The regulations governing the registration of political parties specify that any party failing to contest elections for six years will be removed from the list of registered entities, it added.
Once registered, political parties receive various benefits, including symbols and tax exemptions, as per the provisions of the Act.
On August 9, the ECI delisted 345 RUPPs that had not met the essential criteria of contesting elections for the past six years and whose office locations could not be verified at the addresses provided in their registration documents.
“In the second phase of this initiative, an additional 476 RUPPs have been identified from various States and Union Territories across the nation,” the ECI reported.
To ensure fairness and prevent undue delisting, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective States/UTs have been instructed to issue show-cause notices to the affected RUPPs, allowing them the opportunity for a hearing, it mentioned.
On August 9, the ECI also noted, "After evaluating all relevant facts and recommendations from the CEOs, the Commission has delisted 334 RUPPs. Currently, out of a total of 2,854 RUPPs, 2,520 remain active."
“These RUPPs will no longer qualify for benefits under Sections 29B and 29C of the RP Act, 1951, nor under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Any party dissatisfied with this decision may appeal to the Commission within 30 days,” it further stated.
The delisting of RUPPs is a crucial part of the ECI's ongoing strategy to eliminate parties that have become redundant and exist only on paper.
Since 2022, the electoral commission has delisted 284 non-compliant RUPPs and declared 253 as inactive, as part of its mission to clear the political arena of non-functional parties.
Point of View
I stand with the ECI in its commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable political landscape. This proactive approach to delisting non-active parties is essential for preserving the integrity of our electoral system.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the delisting of these parties?
The ECI is delisting these parties because they have not contested any elections for the past six years, which violates the registration guidelines.
How many parties are affected by this delisting?
A total of 476 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) have been identified for delisting.
What is the process for parties to appeal against this delisting?
Parties can appeal to the ECI within 30 days of the delisting notice.
What happens to the benefits of these parties?
Delisted parties will not be eligible for any benefits under the RP Act, 1951, and the Election Symbols Order.
How has the ECI been addressing inactive political parties?
The ECI has been actively identifying and delisting inactive parties since 2022, enhancing the electoral landscape.
