Registered Unrecognised Political Parties:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently de-listed a total of 474 more Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) for flouting norms, including not contesting elections in the last six years.
- RUPP are the parties which are either newly registered parties or those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the assembly or general elections to become a state party, or those which have never contested elections since being registered.
- Despite not having official recognition, RUPPs enjoy certain benefits:
- Tax exemption under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Eligibility for common poll symbols during elections. Common symbols are provided to RUPPs based upon an undertaking that they would put up “at least 5% of total candidates with regard to said Legislative Assembly election of a State”.
- Permission to nominate up to 20 ‘star campaigners’ for canvassing.
- They are, however, required to:
- Contest elections periodically.
- File annual audit accounts and contribution reports.
- Disclose donations exceeding Rs. 20,000, and ensure that no donations above Rs. 2,000 are accepted in cash.
