Election Commission of India (File Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delisted 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline and clean up the country’s electoral system. The decision was announced in a press note issued on Saturday after the Commission reviewed reports and recommendations from the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of various states and union territories. The ECI described this step as part of a “comprehensive and continuous strategy” to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.According to the ECI, there are currently 6 National Parties, 67 State Parties and 2,854 RUPPs registered in the country. With this latest action, the number of registered RUPPs has come down to 2,520.The Commission stated that guidelines for registration require political parties to contest elections continuously for six years to remain on the list. Parties are also mandated under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to provide details such as their name, address, and office bearers, and to promptly update the Commission on any changes.This year in June the ECI had directed CEOs to verify compliance by 345 RUPPs. Following enquiries and show-cause notices, 334 parties were found to be in violation of registration norms. The remaining 11 cases have been referred back for further verification.

Press note issued by ECI

The delisted parties will now lose eligibility for benefits under Sections 29B and 29C of the RP Act, 1951, as well as relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Any party aggrieved by this order can appeal to the Commission within 30 days of the order.EC in January 2024 made it mandatory for RUPPs to attach a declaration with their application for allotment of common poll symbol, confirming that they have filed their contribution reports and annual audit accounts for the last three financial years and election expenditure statement for the last two polls contested.Which parties hold national status as per the Election Commission?