Election Commission of India Delists 474 Inactive Political Parties in Major Cleanup Drive: 808 Removed in Two Months, Proceedings Against 359 More

New Delhi – September 20, 2025

In a bold move to streamline India's electoral framework, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has struck off 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) from its registry for failing to contest elections over the past six years, as announced on September 18, 2025. This second phase of a sweeping cleanup brings the total number of delisted parties to 808 since August, with an additional 359 RUPPs now facing proceedings for financial non-compliance. The crackdown, rooted in Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, targets dormant entities suspected of exploiting tax exemptions and reserved symbols, potentially serving as conduits for black money and undermining democratic integrity.

The ECI's aggressive campaign, intensified following a 2019 verification drive, aims to purge "ghost parties" that bloat the registry without contributing to the electoral process. With over 2,850 RUPPs listed as of March 2024, the Commission’s actions signal a transformative effort to restore transparency and accountability ahead of key state elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Second Phase Delisting: A Nationwide Sweep

The latest delisting, effective September 18, saw 474 RUPPs removed across 28 states and union territories for not fielding candidates in any election since 2019. Uttar Pradesh bore the brunt, with 121 parties axed, followed by Maharashtra (44), Tamil Nadu (42), and Delhi (40). Other states like Bihar (28), Punjab (21), and West Bengal (12) also saw significant cuts. The delisted entities, registered between 1989 and 2019, include obscure groups like the "Indian Public Party" and quirky outfits such as the "All India Forward Bloc (Subhasist)"—many of which existed only on paper, enjoying privileges like tax-deductible donations and reserved symbols without electoral activity.

This follows the ECI’s first phase on August 9, which eliminated 334 RUPPs, bringing the two-month total to 808. The purge has slashed the RUPP count to approximately 1,955, a significant dent in a registry that had ballooned since the liberalization of party registrations in the 1990s. “The Commission is committed to a continuous cleansing of the electoral system,” an ECI spokesperson stated, citing mandatory participation requirements under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Financial Irregularities: 359 Parties Under Scrutiny

Parallel to the delistings, the ECI has launched proceedings against 359 RUPPs for violating financial transparency norms. These parties, which participated in elections but failed to submit audited accounts for FY 2021-22 to 2023-24 or election expenditure reports, face potential deregistration. Uttar Pradesh again leads with 89 parties under scrutiny, followed by Maharashtra (32), Tamil Nadu (28), and Delhi (25). Chief Electoral Officers have been tasked with issuing show-cause notices, with hearings scheduled to ensure due process before final decisions.

The focus on financial compliance stems from growing concerns over RUPPs as fronts for money laundering. Reports from outlets like The Times of India highlight how some parties, often run by a single individual with no physical office, exploit tax exemptions on donations up to ₹20,000 per donor. “These shell entities are a backdoor for black money,” noted a senior ECI official, anonymously cited by Hindustan Times. The Commission’s actions aim to close these loopholes, with potential tax recovery implications for donors.

Table: Regional breakdown of delisted and scrutinized RUPPs (Source: ECI press releases).

Impact and Implications: A Cleaner Electoral Landscape?

The ECI’s campaign has far-reaching implications. Delisted parties lose access to reserved symbols, free airtime on Doordarshan and All India Radio, and tax benefits, effectively dismantling their legal standing unless they re-register. For active parties, the cleanup frees up symbols, reducing voter confusion in crowded ballots. “This is a game-changer for electoral clarity,” said Professor Anupam Gupta, a political scientist at JNU. “It curbs vote-splitting and ensures only serious players remain.”

However, the move has sparked debate. While many applaud the purge, some activists warn it could discourage grassroots movements, particularly in states like West Bengal, where smaller parties represent niche communities. “The ECI must balance reform with inclusivity,” argued a Kolkata-based lawyer, noting that procedural errors by new parties shouldn’t lead to blanket deregistration.

On social media, the response is largely positive. “Finally, ECI is clearing out the fake parties hogging symbols!” posted a user on X, reflecting public frustration with electoral clutter. Another, citing a News18 report, noted: “This could save crores in tax revenue lost to shady donations.” Posts from regional CEOs, like Manipur’s Pradeep Jaiswal, amplified the narrative: “Cleaning continues—electoral integrity first.”

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations

The ECI’s actions come at a critical juncture, with state elections looming and public trust in electoral processes under scrutiny. The 359 parties facing financial probes may face delisting by late 2025, further thinning the RUPP ranks. Meanwhile, the Commission is exploring stricter registration norms, including mandatory office addresses and regular activity reports, to prevent future proliferation.

For now, the cleanup signals a robust stance against electoral malfeasance. As India’s democracy braces for high-stakes polls, the ECI’s resolve to prune inactive and non-compliant parties could pave the way for a more transparent system—or spark legal battles from those struck off the rolls. Updates on hearings and further delistings are expected by November. Stay tuned for developments in this unfolding saga of electoral reform.

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