New Delhi — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) from its records for failing to contest elections for over six years and for not adhering to mandatory disclosure norms under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, the poll body said the offices of these parties could not be physically located anywhere. The delisted parties are spread across various states and Union Territories.
Following this clean-up exercise, the total number of registered unrecognised political parties in the country has dropped from 2,854 to 2,520. Currently, India has six national parties and 67 state-recognised parties.
According to ECI regulations, political parties must contest at least one election every six years and keep the Commission updated about any changes in their name, address, or office-bearers. Non-compliance with these provisions can result in removal from the register of political parties.
The decision follows a June 2025 directive from the ECI to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and Union Territories to verify compliance by 345 RUPPs. The CEOs conducted ground-level inquiries, issued show-cause notices, and gave the concerned parties an opportunity to present their case through personal hearings.
Verification revealed that 334 RUPPs had violated the rules, while the remaining cases were sent back for reverification. The delisted parties will now lose all benefits and privileges under ECI norms, including eligibility for recognition and access to election-related facilities.
The Commission said the action is part of its ongoing drive to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in the electoral process. Over the past few years, the ECI has intensified its scrutiny of registered parties to prevent misuse of political status for tax benefits, money laundering, or other non-political activities.
“This step is crucial to maintaining a credible electoral system and upholding the sanctity of democratic processes,” an ECI official noted.
With this move, the Commission signalled that further rounds of verification and delisting could follow as part of its commitment to a cleaner political landscape.
