The Election Commission of India (ECI) has de-listed 474 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) for violating election norms, including failing to contest elections over the past six years. This move is part of a broader two-phase exercise to clean up the register of political parties in India. In the first phase, conducted in August, 334 RUPPs were removed. With the latest action, a total of 808 parties have been de-listed in just two months.
The ECI stated that the second phase focused on parties that had not participated in elections conducted by the commission continuously for six years. As a result, the number of inactive parties on the register has significantly reduced. Prior to the de-listing exercise, there were 2,520 RUPPs. After the recent removals, 2,046 RUPPs remain.
Alongside the unrecognised parties, India continues to have six recognised national parties and 67 recognised state parties. The ECI’s move aims to streamline political representation and ensure that only active parties remain officially registered. Officials noted that the delisting process is crucial to maintaining transparency and compliance within India’s democratic framework.
The de-listing has drawn attention to the growing number of inactive political outfits in India, highlighting the importance of regular participation in elections for maintaining official recognition. The ECI’s phased approach reflects its commitment to enforcing electoral norms while keeping the political landscape updated and accountable.