New Delhi: In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in India’s democratic system, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced proceedings to delist 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have failed to meet the mandatory criteria required for retaining their registration status.
Led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI’s decision marks the first major step in a larger nationwide clean-up exercise focused on streamlining the country’s electoral framework.
Why the Delisting? A Legal and Administrative Context
These 345 RUPPs, hailing from various States and Union Territories, have not contested a single election—be it to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, or bye-elections—since 2019. Moreover, their registered offices were found to be physically non-existent, making them in violation of the basic operational requirements stipulated under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifically under Section 29A.
Under this section, once an association is registered as a political party, it gains several privileges such as tax exemptions and entitlement to other legal and electoral benefits. However, these privileges are subject to continued compliance, including regular electoral participation and proper maintenance of party offices and records.
Due Process Before Final Delisting
To ensure procedural fairness and prevent undue delisting, the ECI has instructed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of respective States and UTs to issue show-cause notices to all 345 identified RUPPs. These parties will be given a fair opportunity to respond and present their case through a personal hearing before the concerned CEOs.
The final decision on delisting will rest with the Election Commission of India, following a thorough review of the responses and hearing outcomes.
A Nationwide Political Audit in Progress
This initiative is part of a broader nationwide verification campaign. With over 2,800 RUPPs currently registered with the Commission, the ECI has identified a significant number that fail to comply with minimum operational and legal norms.
The 345 parties marked in this phase represent only the beginning. The ECI has confirmed that this clean-up drive will continue in successive phases, signaling a firm commitment to institutional integrity and the removal of non-functional or potentially fraudulent political entities.
A Broader Vision for Electoral Reform
The ECI emphasized that this move is not merely a clerical exercise but part of a visionary reform to maintain the sanctity of India’s electoral process.
“This effort is aimed at ensuring that the privileges granted to political entities are not misused and that the system remains free of electoral clutter and potential misuse of legal provisions,” a senior ECI official stated.
The process is also expected to curb the misuse of political party registration for non-political benefits, including financial irregularities such as money laundering or misappropriation of tax exemptions.
Looking Ahead: Towards a Transparent Electoral Ecosystem
The delisting of inactive political parties comes at a crucial juncture as the nation prepares for upcoming electoral cycles. With this initiative, the ECI has reinforced its role as a guardian of democratic fairness, determined to ensure that only active, accountable, and law-abiding political organizations remain part of India’s electoral landscape.
As the exercise unfolds in further phases, the ECI is expected to bring greater clarity, efficiency, and integrity to India’s political registry, aligning with the broader goals of electoral reform and democratic renewal.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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