EC delists 334 parties for failing to contest poll, comply with norms

The Election Commission on Saturday said it had delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) for failing to contest elections for over six years and not complying with the mandatory disclosure norms under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The offices of these parties could also not be physically located anywhere.

These 334 parties were from different states and union territories, the poll body said in a statement.

Of the 2,854 RUPPs, 2,520 remain after the clean-up exercise. At present, there are six national parties and 67 state parties.

The parties are required to contest elections at least once every six years and promptly inform the commission about any changes in their name, address or office-bearers.

In June 2025, the EC directed the chief electoral officers (CEOs) of states and union territories to verify compliance by 345 RUPPs.

The CEOs conducted enquiries, issued show-cause notices, and allowed parties to present their case through personal hearings.

The verification found 334 RUPPs in violation of the rules, while the remaining cases were sent back for re-verification.

Following the findings, the EC removed these 334 RUPPs from its list, reducing the total to 2,520.

The commission stated that the delisted parties would no longer be eligible for benefits and recognition under the EC norms.

The move is part of the EC’s larger, continuous drive to clean up the electoral system and ensure greater accountability among registered political outfits.