Why in the News?
The Election Commission de-listed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) for not contesting polls in six years, as part of its electoral clean-up drive.
Delisting of Political Parties:
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About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs):
- Constitutional Right: Right to form political associations is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(c).
- Registration: RUPPs are political associations registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Section 29A, Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Not recognised: As either State or National parties because they have not secured the required vote share or seats in past elections.
- Privileges & Benefits:
- Tax exemption under Section 13A, Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Eligibility for common poll symbols during elections (under Symbols Order, 1968).
- Can nominate up to 20 star campaigners.
- Obligations:
- Must contest elections periodically.
- File annual audit accounts and contribution reports.
- Disclose donations above ₹20,000.
- Ensure no donations above ₹2,000 are taken in cash.
- Issues: Many RUPPs exploit privileges without contesting elections, crowding out genuine contesting parties and confusing voters.
What are Recognised Political Parties?
- Types: Recognised parties are classified as National Parties or State Parties.
- Privileges:
- Exclusive reserved symbols.
- Free copies of electoral rolls.
- Broadcasting time on Doordarshan/All India Radio.
- Consultation rights with ECI in election matters.
- Recognition depends on vote share or seats won in Lok Sabha/Assembly elections.
Conditions for Recognition:
| National Party | State Party |
| Secures 6% of valid votes in Lok Sabha/Assembly elections in any 4 or more states + wins 4 Lok Sabha seats. | Secures 6% of valid votes in the state Assembly election + wins 2 Assembly seats. |
| Wins 2% of Lok Sabha seats (currently 11 seats) from at least 3 states. | Secures 6% of valid votes in the state’s Lok Sabha election + wins 1 Lok Sabha seat. |
| Recognised as a State Party in 4 or more states. | Wins 3% of Assembly seats or 3 seats (whichever is higher) in the state Assembly. |
| — | Wins 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allotted to that state. |
| — | Secures 8% of total valid votes in the state’s Assembly or Lok Sabha election (added in 2011). |
| [UPSC 2001] Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:
1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties. 2. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission. 3. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States. 4. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission. Options: (a) I, II and IV (b) I and III (c) II and IV (d) I, II, III and IV* |
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