Parties not participating in elections
24 registered unrecognised political parties in Tamil Nadu: At least 24 political parties from Tamil Nadu have been flagged as registered unrecognised political parties by the Election Commission of India (ECI). These parties have not contested a single election in the last six years.
Such inactivity violates the implied responsibility of participation upon registration under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These parties are now likely to receive show cause notices from the ECI.
What are registered unrecognised parties?
Political parties are registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This allows them to function as political entities but without recognition at the state or national level.
These parties do not have the benefits of recognised parties such as reserved symbols or automatic media access. Yet, they still enjoy some statutory benefits like tax exemptions.
Why registration matters?
The ECI grants registration to parties based on their application, intent, and constitution. The primary purpose of registration is for the party to contest elections and participate in the democratic process.
However, parties that fail to contest elections for six continuous years raise questions about their legitimacy.
Static GK fact: The ECI was formed in 1950 and is empowered to register political parties and allocate symbols under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Benefits enjoyed by registered parties
Even without recognition, these parties are entitled to:
- Income tax exemption under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act
- Possibility of symbol allotment under Paragraph 10B of the Symbols Order
- Nomination of star campaigners, a provision meant to reduce campaign expenditure reporting
- Visibility and formal recognition in the electoral database
Static GK Tip: Recognised parties must secure 6% of valid votes or win at least two seats in state assembly elections to retain their status.
EC’s next steps
The Election Commission is expected to issue show cause notices to these inactive parties. They may be deregistered if found to have violated provisions or failed to provide valid reasons for their inactivity.
Such actions help the ECI maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral ecosystem.
Static GK fact: As of July 2025, there are over 2,700 registered political parties in India, but only around 60 enjoy recognition at the state or national level.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
24 registered unrecognised political parties in Tamil Nadu:
| Fact | Detail |
| Number of parties flagged in TN | 24 |
| Reason for notice | No elections contested in six years |
| Governing law for party registration | Section 29A, Representation of the People Act, 1951 |
| Tax exemption law | Section 13A, Income Tax Act |
| Recognition rule source | Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 |
| Authority responsible | Election Commission of India |
| Number of registered parties in India (2025) | Over 2,700 |
| Recognition requirement | 6% vote share or 2+ seats in assembly |
| Benefits of registration | Tax exemption, symbol allotment, star campaigner nomination |
| Year of ECI formation | 1950 |
