Saturday, March 29, 2025
Election Commission Derecognises 115 Political Parties in Uttar Pradesh for Failing to Contest Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a major step to ensure a smoother and fairer electoral process by revoking the recognition of 115 political parties in Uttar Pradesh. According to ECI rules, any political party that fails to contest an election for six consecutive years is liable to lose its official status.
With their recognition revoked, these parties will no longer enjoy a range of electoral benefits that recognised parties receive, making it significantly more difficult for them to contest future elections.
Once a party is recognised by the Election Commission, it enjoys several privileges. The withdrawal of recognition means the loss of these rights:
Reserved Election Symbol: Recognised parties are allotted a fixed election symbol that helps them build a distinct identity among voters. Derecognised parties lose the right to use their reserved symbol.
Free Election Material: Recognised parties receive free election material from the ECI, including voter lists and election manifestos. This benefit is withdrawn after derecognition.
Public Funding Rights: Recognised parties can collect public funds to run their organisation and contest elections. After derecognition, they can no longer access such funding.
National and State-Level Privileges: Recognition provides legal and procedural advantages at both state and national levels, enabling participation in elections and political activities. These rights are forfeited after the removal from the recognised list.
Allotted Campaign Time and Space: The ECI grants recognised parties designated time slots and spaces for campaigning. Derecognised parties lose this facility, and reapplying for such permissions involves lengthy procedures.
According to the ECI, the primary reason for revoking recognition is non-participation in elections for six consecutive years. The Commission holds full authority to withdraw all benefits granted to such inactive political parties.
However, affected parties are entitled to file an appeal within 30 days of the decision.
This move by the Election Commission is being seen as a strict enforcement of rules to maintain active political participation and streamline the electoral process.
