Overview
Delisted Political Parties: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) from its official list across the country. These parties had not contested any elections in recent years and, in many cases, could not be located at their registered addresses. The action is part of a nationwide effort to maintain credibility and efficiency in the electoral system.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Impact
From the total delisted, 22 political outfits were based in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry. Earlier in June 2025, the ECI had issued notices to 24 such parties in Tamil Nadu, seeking reasons for their absence in electoral participation. After receiving unsatisfactory replies—or no response at all—the Commission removed 23 of them from its records.
Legal and Regulatory Consequences
Once removed from the ECI’s register, these parties are stripped of benefits provided under:
- Section 29B and Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
- Tax concessions under the Income Tax Act, 1961
- Rights under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
Losing these privileges means they cannot receive tax-free donations, reserve election symbols, or enjoy related legal entitlements.
Nationwide Action
The first phase of this cleanup, carried out in August 2025, reduced the total number of RUPPs from 2,854 to 2,520. The second phase has already begun, covering another 476 unrecognised parties, including 42 from Tamil Nadu. State and Union Territory Chief Electoral Officers are holding hearings before final decisions are announced.
Significance
The removal of inactive political groups ensures that the party registry reflects only active and accountable entities. It also discourages the misuse of party registration for non-political benefits and reinforces the integrity of India’s democratic framework.
Static GK fact: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 outlines the criteria and procedures for party registration, recognition, and removal in India.
Static GK fact: The Election Symbols Order, 1968 regulates the allocation of electoral symbols to political parties and candidates.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Delisted Political Parties:
| Topic | Detail |
| ECI Action Date | First phase on 9 August 2025; second phase ongoing |
| Total RUPPs Delisted | 334 in first phase; 476 identified for possible removal |
| Tamil Nadu & Puducherry | 22 parties from Tamil Nadu; 1 from Puducherry |
| Key Legal Provisions | Sections 29B & 29C RP Act 1951; Income Tax Act 1961; Election Symbols Order 1968 |
| Eligibility Loss | Tax benefits, reserved symbols, and registration privileges revoked |
