Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar:DD, The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delisted another 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for non-compliance, while also starting proceedings to delist 359 more such parties across the country.
In a statement issued by ECI that the move comes under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which requires parties to contest elections continuously for six years to retain their registered status.
According to the ECI, this second phase of action on September 18, 2025, follows the earlier delisting of 334 RUPPs in August.
With the latest step, a total of 808 RUPPs have been struck off the rolls in the last two months for failing to contest elections over a continuous six-year period.
The Commission also clarified that 359 additional RUPPs from 23 States and Union Territories have been identified for delisting for failing to submit annual audited accounts for the past three financial years (2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24), despite contesting elections. These parties have also not filed mandatory Election Expenditure Reports.
As per the directive, the CEOs of States and UTs will now issue show-cause notices to the identified parties before any final delisting. The ECI stressed that no party will be unduly delisted, and final decisions will be taken after reviewing the reports of the respective CEOs.
In the latest phase, Uttar Pradesh (121), Maharashtra (44), Tamil Nadu (42), and Delhi (40) accounted for the highest number of delisted parties, while states like Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Tripura, Mizoram, and Nagaland reported only one or two cases each.
ECI said the ongoing exercise is part of its comprehensive drive to clean up the electoral system and ensure accountability among political parties enjoying privileges such as symbols and tax exemptions. (KNC)