Overview

• India’s register currently lists over 2,800 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties, many suspected of inactivity.
• In the first phase launched on June 26, the commission targeted parties that have not contested any polls since 2019 and lacked a traceable office.
• RUPPs are recognised under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and receive benefits such as tax exemptions.
• A similar 2022 cleanup saw 537 dormant parties removed or declared inactive, demonstrating the ECI’s sustained reform agenda.
• The commission plans additional phases to further clear defunct entities and strengthen transparency in electoral administration.