Election Commission delists 334 registered unrecognised political parties

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

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

These 334 registered unrecognised political parties are from different states and Union Territories across the country, the poll body said in a statement.

Out of the total 2,854 registered unrecognised political parties, 2,520 remain after the clean-up exercise.

At present, there are six national parties and 67 state parties.

Political 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 ECI directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of states and Union Territories to verify compliance of 345 RUPPs.

The CEOs conducted inquiries, 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 reverification.

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

The Commission stated that delisted parties will no longer be eligible for benefits and recognition under ECI norms.

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