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The Election Commission of India on Saturday (August 9, 2025) said it has delisted 334 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) after an inquiry.
If a party does not contest elections continuously for six years, it will be taken off the list of registered parties, the guidelines for the registration of political parties state. Moreover, in accordance with Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, parties have to provide details at the time of their registration, including the name of the party, its address, and the names of office-bearers, with any change communicated to the ECI without delay.

At present, there are six national parties, 67 State parties, and 2,854 RUPPs registered with the ECI.
The ECI had, in June 2025, directed the Chief Electoral Officers of the States and Union Territories to conduct verification enquiries for 345 RUPPs on their compliance with the above rules.
“The CEOs conducted enquiries, issued show-cause notices to these RUPPs and provided each party an opportunity to respond and present their case through personal hearings,” an official statement by the ECI said.
Based on reports by the Chief Electoral Officers, 334 RUPPs out of a total of 345 RUPPs have been found to have not complied with the above conditions. “The remaining cases have been referred back to the CEOs for reverification,” the statement said.

The Commission, after considering all the facts, and the recommendations of the Chief Electoral Officers, has de-listed 334 RUPPs. Now, out of a total of 2,854 RUPPs, 2,520 are remaining, the ECI said.
These RUPPs will not be eligible to avail any benefit under the provisions of Section 29B and Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, read with the 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 its issuance.
Published – August 09, 2025 02:14 pm IST