Election Commission delists 255 unrecognised political parties, writes to CBDT for financial probe

The Election Commission, which has unlisted 255 registered but unrecognised political parties between February and December 15 this year, has now asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to look into the financial contributions to them.

New Delhi: The Election Commission, which has unlisted 255 registered but unrecognised political parties between February and December 15 this year, has now asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to look into the financial contributions made to them.  

The poll watchdog fears misuse of financial contributions by these unrecognised political parties.

These parties were unlisted for not contesting elections between 2005 and 2015, the poll watchdog had said earlier. 

It said upon verification, the election machinery found that some parties are “no longer in existence or functioning.” 

The Election Commission has now asked the CBDT to take “necessary action” if required in view of the provisions listed in section 29B and 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 against parties violating the law. 

Section 29B states that every political party may accept any amount of contribution voluntarily offered to it by any person or company other than a Government company.

According to section 29C, the treasurer of a political party or any other person authorised by it shall, in each financial year, prepare a report on the contribution in excess of Rs 20,000 received by it from any person in that financial year; and contribution in excess of Rs 20,000 received by it from companies other than Government companies in that financial year.

 While the poll watchdog has the mandate to register a political party, it lacks power under electoral laws to de-register any party.

As its demand to get power to de-register a party is pending with the Law Ministry, the Commission used its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to delist parties for being dormant and not contesting elections for a long time. 

There are over 1780 registered, but unrecognised political parties in the country.

Besides, there are seven national parties — BJP, Congress, BSP, TMC, CPI, CPI-M and  NCP — and 58 state parties. Seeking to stem flow of black money in elections, the Commission has proposed a slew of electoral reforms but most are pending with the government.

With PTI inputs