Election Commission’s big action before Bihar elections, registration of 334 parties canceled
In June, the Election Commission started the process of canceling the registration of these parties.
New Delhi: The Election Commission took a major step on Saturday and canceled the registration of 334 non-recognized political parties i.e. RUPP. These parties had not contested a single election since 2019 nor could they get any physical address of their offices. In such a situation, these parties did not fulfill the mandatory conditions of being registered as registered unreserved political party. Prior to the Bihar assembly elections, this move of the Commission is being considered an important initiative towards making the political system clean.
What are Rupp and why action took place?
Rupp ie Registered Unrecognized Political Parties, they are political parties which are registered with the Election Commission, but have not received national or state level recognition. These parties are registered under Section 29A of the Representation Act 1951 in India. After registration, they get some special benefits like tax exemption. There were a total of 2,854 RUPPs in the country, out of which 2,520 are left after the Election Commission action.
The Election Commission removed these 334 parties because they participated in neither Lok Sabha, nor State Assembly nor by-election since 2019. No physical existence of the offices of these parties was found. When the Commission investigated, these parties were limited to paper. Some Rupp was found to be violating the Income Tax Rules and Money Laundering laws earlier.
What are the rules for cancellation of registration?
The Election Commission was earlier prevented by the Supreme Court from ‘canceling’ recognition to political parties, as there is no provision in the law. But the commission found the way for ‘delisting’. Delisting means that these parties have been removed from the list of registered parties. According to the Rules of the Election Commission, under Section 29A of the Representation of the Representation Act, 1951, and under the Election Symbol (Reservation and Allocation) Order, 1968, if any registered party does not participate in the Lok Sabha, Assembly or local body elections for 6 consecutive years, its registration can be canceled. However, these parties can apply for re -registration without a new recognition process.
How many political parties are left in the country now?
There are now 6 national parties, 67 state level parties and 2,520 Rupp left in the country. The Commission has done such cleanliness 3-4 times since 2001. This time in June 2025, action was started against 345 parties, out of which 334 registration was canceled. Dealended parties will no longer be able to field their candidates in the election. This step is also important before the Bihar elections, because it will increase transparency in the political process and will curb fake parties. Indeed, such parties are often present only on paper and can be involved in tax exemption, money laundering or other illegal activities.
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