TFP Bureau, New Delhi, September 19, 2025: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken another decisive step in its nationwide effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in the electoral system. In the second phase of its clean-up drive, the Commission has delisted 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that had failed to contest any election in the past six years, as required under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
This comes after 334 RUPPs were delisted on August 9, 2025, bringing the total number of parties removed from the rolls in just two months to 808. These parties had continued to enjoy the privileges of registration—such as reserved symbols and tax exemptions—without fulfilling their basic obligation of contesting elections.
Third phase targets 359 more parties
Building on this momentum, the Commission has now identified 359 more RUPPs across 23 states and union territories for possible delisting. These parties have contested elections but failed to submit their annual audited accounts for the last three financial years (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24) and have also not filed mandatory election expenditure reports.
The ECI has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective states and UTs to issue show-cause notices to these parties. Each will be given an opportunity for a hearing before the CEOs forward their recommendations. Final decisions on delisting will be taken by the Commission after reviewing these reports.
Largest numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of parties delisted in the second phase with 121, followed by Delhi (40) and Maharashtra (44). Other states with significant delistings included Tamil Nadu (42), Madhya Pradesh (23), and Punjab (21).
In the third phase, Uttar Pradesh again tops the list with 127 parties under scrutiny, followed by Delhi (41), Tamil Nadu (39), and Bihar (30). Smaller states such as Sikkim, Mizoram, and Tripura also figure in the list, albeit with only one party each.
Ensuring integrity of electoral system
The ECI has reiterated that registration as a political party is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Parties that fail to meet basic conditions—such as contesting elections or complying with financial disclosure norms—undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
By delisting non-compliant entities, the Commission aims to prevent misuse of political party registration for financial and legal benefits while ensuring that the electoral roll reflects only active and accountable political organisations.
Officials said this comprehensive exercise, launched in 2019, is part of the Commission’s long-term strategy to streamline the party registration system and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
