Election Commission of India: Swift Action Taken; Registration of 474 Political Parties, Including 44 in Maharashtra, Cancelled

The Election Commission has taken major action against political parties that are unregistered in the country and have not participated in elections for six consecutive years. The commission has canceled the registration of as many as 474 political parties, including 44 parties from Maharashtra.

According to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, if a registered political party has not participated in any election for six years, its registration can be canceled. This action has been taken based on this rule. Previously, in August 2025, the Election Commission had canceled the registration of 334 parties. Therefore, in the past two months, the registration of a total of 808 political parties has been canceled.

Registered political parties receive many benefits, including tax exemptions. However, for the past three years, some parties have not submitted their financial audits. Additionally, staying away from elections for six consecutive years has put them in trouble.

The parties whose registration has been canceled by the commission are from 23 states and union territories. This includes the highest number of 121 parties from Uttar Pradesh, 23 parties from Madhya Pradesh, 17 parties from Haryana, 15 parties from Bihar, 21 parties from Punjab, and 44 parties from Maharashtra.

Currently, there are 359 more political parties on the Election Commission's radar. Many of these parties have not submitted financial information for three years and have stayed away from elections for six years. Action against them is likely to happen soon.