EC delists 334 unrecognised parties over norms breach

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission Saturday delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties ( RUPPS ) over violation of 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 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.

As per guidelines, if a party does not contest elections continuously for six years, it shall be taken off the list of registered parties.

In June, EC had directed state and UT CEOs to conduct verification enquiries of 345 RUPPs regarding compliance with the above conditions prescribed under its guidelines and the RP Act. "...Based on reports of CEOs, 334 RUPPs out of the 345 RUPPs were found not complying with the above conditions. The remaining cases have been referred back to CEOs for reverification," EC said in a statement. 

Any party aggrieved by the delisting can appeal to EC within 30 days of the order.