Action by Election Commission
De-listed Political Parties in Tamil Nadu: On September 20, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the de-listing of 42 political parties in Tamil Nadu. This decision was taken under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which governs party registration and election conduct.
Reason for De-listing
According to the Act, political parties that fail to contest elections for six consecutive years are liable to be removed from the list of registered entities. The affected groups belong to the category of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).
Static GK fact: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 was enacted to provide the legal framework for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Second Phase of Cleanup
This decision is part of the second phase of the electoral system cleanup initiated by the Commission. The move aims to ensure that only active political groups remain in the electoral system, improving transparency and accountability.
Parties Removed from the List
Among the de-listed groups was the Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK), led by Thamimun Ansari. Ansari had earlier won from the Nagapattinam constituency as a candidate supported by the AIADMK.
Another prominent name was the Perunthalaivar Makkal Katchi, led by N. R. Dhanapalan. He had unsuccessfully contested from Perambur in the 2016 and 2021 Assembly Elections on an AIADMK ticket.
Static GK Tip: The AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) was founded by M.G. Ramachandran in 1972 after splitting from the DMK.
Legal Provisions for Registration
Under existing rules, every registered party must clearly declare in its constitution that it will contest elections within five years of registration. Failure to do so or inactivity over long periods attracts de-registration by the ECI.
Static GK fact: India has more than 2,500 registered political parties, but only a handful are recognized as national or state parties.
Broader Implications
The removal of inactive political parties reduces clutter in the electoral space and prevents misuse of privileges like tax exemptions or undue financial benefits. It also ensures that voters deal with parties that have genuine political participation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
De-listed Political Parties in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of action | September 20, 2025 |
| Authority | Election Commission of India |
| Law applied | Representation of the People Act, 1951 |
| Number of parties de-listed | 42 |
| Category of parties | Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) |
| Notable leaders affected | Thamimun Ansari, N. R. Dhanapalan |
| Constituencies mentioned | Nagapattinam, Perambur |
| Previous contest history | 2016 and 2021 Assembly Elections |
| Cleanup phase | Second phase of electoral system cleanup |
| Key requirement | Parties must contest within five years of registration |
