ECI deregisters 334 unrecognised political parties

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delisted 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) as part of its ongoing efforts to cleanse the electoral system, the commission said on Saturday.

Out of the 2,854 RUPPs registered with the ECI, 2,520 now remain. “The Commission, after considering all facts and the recommendations of the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), has delisted 334 RUPPs,” the ECI said in an official statement.

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These delisted parties will no longer be eligible for benefits under Sections 29B and 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as well as relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. However, any party affected by the decision may file an appeal with the Commission within 30 days.

The ECI clarified that currently six national parties and 67 state parties are registered with the commission. According to ECI rules, any registered party that does not contest elections for six consecutive years is subject to removal from the registry.

In June 2025, the Commission had instructed the CEOs of all states and Union Territories to verify 345 RUPPs for compliance. During the verification process, show-cause notices were issued, and parties were given opportunities to respond and present their case through personal hearings.

“Based on the CEOs’ reports, 334 out of the 345 RUPPs were found non-compliant. The remaining 11 cases have been sent back for further verification,” the ECI added.

(With agency inputs)