Dehradun: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has barred 17 registered unrecognised political parties in Uttarakhand from contesting future elections under their respective party banners after they failed to establish their existence, demonstrate organisational activity or provide satisfactory responses during an extensive verification exercise conducted by the state’s election authorities. The action forms part of the Election Commission’s nationwide drive against inactive and suspected non-functional political parties, under which more than 800 registered unrecognised political parties across the country are being scrutinised for compliance with electoral and statutory norms.
According to election officials, the action followed a detailed verification exercise carried out by the office of the Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer. Notices were issued to several political parties that had remained inactive for years, asking them to furnish documentary evidence regarding their organisational activities, electoral participation and compliance with legal requirements. However, 17 parties failed to provide satisfactory explanations or supporting documents within the stipulated period, prompting the Election Commission to initiate action against them.
Officials said the verification process included physical inspection of the addresses registered with the Election Commission as well as examination of the parties’ electoral records and statutory filings. During the exercise, authorities reportedly found that many of the parties were no longer functioning from their registered addresses, while several had not participated in any election for the past six years. The findings were subsequently forwarded to the Election Commission, which decided to remove them from the list of active registered political outfits, effectively preventing them from fielding officially authorised candidates in forthcoming elections.
Election authorities also found that several of these organisations had allegedly failed to comply with mandatory statutory obligations. According to officials, a number of parties had not submitted annual financial returns, contribution reports or other required disclosures within the prescribed timelines. In addition, some had allegedly not conducted internal organisational elections as required under the applicable regulations governing registered political parties. Despite being served notices seeking explanations and documentary proof of their activities, the parties reportedly failed to provide any substantive response.
The 17 political parties affected by the latest action include Bharatiya Jan Kranti Party, Hamari Janmanch Party, Maidani Kranti Dal, Rashtriya Jan Sahay Dal, Uttarakhand Janshakti Party, Bharatiya Mool Niwasi Samaj Party, Bharatiya Antyodaya Party, Bharatiya Gram Nagar Vikas Party and Gorkha Democratic Front, all of which were registered at addresses in Dehradun. The list also includes Rashtriya Gram Vikas Party, Bharat Qaumi Dal, People’s Party, Bharat Parivar Party and Bharatiya Samrat Subhash Sena from Haridwar district, Prajamandal Party from Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district, and Prajatantra Party of India along with Suraj Seva Dal from Nainital district.
The Election Commission’s latest action is part of a broader nationwide campaign aimed at improving transparency, accountability and credibility within the electoral system by identifying dormant or non-functional political parties. Officials have maintained that registered political parties are expected to maintain genuine organisational activity, regularly participate in democratic processes and comply with statutory reporting obligations. Failure to meet these requirements may invite regulatory action, including removal from the list of recognised registered entities.
Uttarakhand had 42 registered unrecognised political parties during the 2022 Assembly elections. With the latest action, the number of active such organisations in the state is expected to reduce significantly. Election officials indicated that the verification process was intended to ensure that only genuinely functioning political organisations remain registered and eligible to contest elections.
Meanwhile, preparations for future elections continue in the state, with six new political organisations having already applied for registration before the Election Commission. In a separate development, the Jan Nirman Party floated by Khanpur Independent MLA Umesh Kumar has recently secured registration with the Election Commission. Officials said applications submitted by newly formed political parties will be examined in accordance with the statutory registration process before any final decision is taken regarding their recognition and eligibility to participate in elections.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
