Election Commission delists 334 registered unrecognised political parties | India News
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPS) over violation of its guidelines for registration and/or non-fulfilment of statutory obligations.The latest round of delisting — described by EC as a comprehensive and continuous strategy to clean up the political landscape — has reduced the total number we of RUPPs from 2,854 to 2,520. The delisted RUPPs can no longer avail of income-tax concessions under Section 29B and Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act,1961 and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.The guidelines for registration of politicalparties mention that if the party does not contest elections continuously for six years, it shall be taken off the list of registered parties.Also, as per Section 29A of R P Act 1951, parties at the time of their registration have to give details like name, address, office bearers etc. and any change must be communicated to the commission without delay.Earlier in June this year, EC had directed the state/UT chief electoral officers (CEOs) to conduct verification enquiries of 345 RUPPsregarding compliance with the above conditions prescribed under its guidelines and the Representation of the People Act.“The CEOs conducted enquiries, issued show-cause notices to these RUPPs and provided each party an opportunity to respond and present their case through personal hearings. Thereafter, based on reports of the CEOs, 334 RUPPs out of the total of 345 RUPPs have been found not complying with the above conditions. The remaining cases have been referred back to the CEOs for reverification,” EC said in a statement on Saturday.Any party aggrieved by the delist ing can appeal to EC within 30 days of the order.Apart from 2,520 RUPPs, there are currently six national parties and 67 state parties registered with the poll panel.
