Delisting 334 RUPPs, Election Commission Cleans Up Electoral System

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a decisive step to clean up the nation’s electoral system by delisting 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).

These parties failed to contest even a single election since 2019 and did not maintain verifiable offices at their registered addresses, violating the criteria set for political party recognition.

The delisting decision follows a comprehensive verification process initiated by the ECI in June 2025.

The Commission instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across states and union territories to conduct thorough enquiries into 345 RUPPs to assess compliance with election norms.

After examining the reports, the Commission found 334 parties non-compliant, leading to their removal from the registry.

These parties will no longer be entitled to benefits under Section 29B and 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, nor can they avail privileges under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. However, any party aggrieved by this decision has the right to appeal within 30 days.

ECI’s Efforts to Streamline Political Landscape

The move is part of the ECI’s broader and sustained effort to purge the political space of non-functional or dormant parties that exist only on paper.

Since 2022, the Commission has delisted 284 defaulting RUPPs and declared 253 inactive. This rigorous monitoring ensures a more transparent and accountable political process.

Presently, the ECI recognises six national parties, 67 state parties, and 2,854 RUPPs. According to existing guidelines, parties that do not contest elections for six consecutive years are subject to deregistration, aiming to maintain a dynamic and competitive political environment.

The Election Commission’s ongoing purging exercise ensures that only active and compliant parties participate in India’s democratic processes.

By holding parties accountable and enforcing regulations, the ECI fosters electoral integrity and helps streamline political participation, thereby strengthening India’s democracy.

This delisting action sends a clear message that political entities must actively engage in the electoral process or risk losing their official status and associated privileges.

The Commission remains committed to safeguarding the democratic framework by regulating party activities and maintaining a robust political ecosystem.

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