New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken major action by delisting 474 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) for failing to contest any elections in the past six years.

This move follows the first phase of the exercise on August 9, when 334 parties were delisted for similar violations.

In a statement, the ECI said, “In continuation, in the second phase, ECI delisted 474 RUPPs on September 18, based on non-contestation in elections conducted by ECI continuously for six years. Thus, 808 RUPPs have been delisted in the last two months.”

According to the EC data, there were 2,520 RUPPs before the delisting drive began. With the removal of these 808 parties, 2,046 RUPPs remain registered with the Commission.

At present, there are six recognised national parties and 67 state parties in India.

The ECI stated that the exercise is part of its ongoing effort to maintain transparency, ensure compliance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and prevent misuse of benefits such as tax exemptions that registered parties receive.