Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to delist some Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested a single election since 2019 and whose offices are untraceable.
About Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs):
- Definition: RUPPs are political parties that are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) but have not yet qualified as State or National Parties.
- Electoral Status: These parties may be newly registered, may have contested elections but underperformed, or may have never contested at all.
- Privileges:
- Eligibility for election symbols under specific conditions.
- Tax exemptions for donations under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- The ability to participate in elections under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
How are Political Parties Registered?
- Legal Basis: Registration is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Requirements: Parties must submit an application with their constitution or memorandum to the ECI.
- Declarations: The party must affirm adherence to the Constitution and commit to socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity.
- Benefits: Once registered, the party can contest elections, seek a common symbol, and receive legal financial support.
Criteria for Recognition as a Political Party:
- For State Party Recognition: A party must:
- Win 6% of valid votes and 2 Assembly seats, or
- Win 3% of Assembly seats or at least 3 seats, or
- Win 1 Lok Sabha seat and 6% of valid votes in a general election from the state.
- For National Party Recognition: A party must:
- Be recognized as a State Party in 4 states, or
- Win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states, or
- Poll 6% of valid votes in 4 states and win 4 Lok Sabha seats.
- Advantages of Recognition: Recognized parties get reserved symbols, broadcast time, campaign benefits, and can appoint more star campaigners.
| [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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