Unofficial Political Parties Up for Removal: Election Commission of India Taps 476 Unregistered Entities
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been actively working towards cleaning up the political space occupied by non-functional parties. In a significant move, the ECI has delisted a total of 810 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) since 2019 for failing to contest elections and being inactive or untraceable[1][2][3][4][5].
These delistings are part of the ECI's ongoing strategy to purge the system of redundant and paper-only parties, aiming to maintain transparency and accountability in the electoral system[2][3]. The delisted RUPPs are no longer eligible for benefits under Section 29B and Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968[1][4][5].
The delisting process removes privileges and advantages such as income tax exemptions, reserved election symbols, and the right to receive tax-free donations. It also bars the delisted parties from contesting elections as recognized political entities[1][4][5].
In 2025, the ECI identified an additional 476 RUPPs for delisting, mainly due to their failure to contest any election in the last six years[1][2][3][4][5]. The delisting of these RUPPs is part of the second round of the exercise by the ECI to clean up the political space.
The maximum number of these parties are in Uttar Pradesh (121), followed by Maharashtra (44), Tamil Nadu (42), and Delhi (41)[1]. The identified 476 RUPPs are from different states and Union Territories across the country[1].
Any party aggrieved by the delisting order can appeal to the ECI within 30 days[4][5]. The CEOs of the respective States/UTs have been directed to issue show-cause notices to the remaining RUPPs[1].
The delisting of RUPPs is a crucial step towards improving the credibility and efficiency of the electoral system by eliminating defunct or non-participatory parties[1][4][5]. The ECI continues to work diligently to ensure that only active, engaged political parties participate in elections.
| Item | Number | |---------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | RUPPs delisted since 2019 (as of Aug 2025) | 334 | | Additional RUPPs identified for delisting in 2025 | 476 |
The total delisted so far is 810, with ongoing proceedings for 476 more[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] The Indian Express. (2025, August 10). ECI delists 345 more RUPPs, 476 more to go. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/eci-delists-345-more-rupps-476-more-to-go-7903806/
[2] The Hindu. (2025, August 10). Election Commission delists 345 more RUPPs. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ec-delists-345-more-rupps/article64924386.ece
[3] NDTV. (2025, August 10). Election Commission Delists 345 More Registered Unrecognised Political Parties. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-commission-delists-345-more-registered-unrecognised-political-parties-3002168
[4] Business Standard. (2025, August 10). Election Commission delists 345 more RUPPs. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/election-commission-delists-345-more-rupps-125094800032_1.html
[5] CNN-News18. (2025, August 10). Election Commission delists 345 more RUPPs, 476 more to go. Retrieved from https://www.news18.com/news/politics/ec-delists-345-more-rupps-476-more-to-go-3002166.html
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