Election Commission Delists 334 Non-Compliant Political Parties
In a major cleanup exercise, the Election Commission of India has delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs). The action was taken because the parties failed to contest elections for over six years and did not comply with mandatory disclosure norms, such as updating their addresses or office-bearer details. The move is part of the EC's ongoing efforts to enhance electoral accountability and remove defunct or non-serious outfits from its registry, reducing the total number of RUPPs to 2,520.
Unpacked:
RUPPs are political parties that are officially registered with the Election Commission of India but do not fulfill criteria to be recognized as national or state parties, typically due to limited electoral performance or voter share.
Delisted parties lose privileges such as income tax exemptions under the Representation of the People Act and the Income Tax Act, as well as benefits under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order. They also cannot field candidates in upcoming elections until relisted.
Yes, any party aggrieved by the delisting can appeal to the Election Commission within 30 days of the order. The EC can review and, if appropriate, reinstate the party without requiring a fresh recognition process.
The EC has intensified delisting to enhance electoral accountability, remove defunct or non-serious parties, and prevent misuse of registration benefits. This ongoing cleanup supports a more transparent and credible political landscape.