Raipur, Aug 18 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has tightened its scrutiny of dormant political outfits, serving notices to seven registered unrecognized political parties (RUPPs) in Chhattisgarh that have neither contested polls nor maintained functional offices since 2019.
This development comes as part of a nationwide clean-up, with 334 such parties across states and Union Territories now under the scanner.
In Chhattisgarh, those served notices include Azadi Ka Antim Andolan (Raipur), Bhartiya Pichhda Dal (Bilaspur), Bhartiya Dalit Congress (Ambikapur), and Prajatantra Congress Party (Raigarh), among others.
All seven have been asked to appear before the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Raipur on August 29.
The CEO’s findings will be submitted to the Commission for further action, including possible delisting.
Only earlier this month, nine other RUPPs from the state were struck off the rolls after a similar review.
Officials said the latest action underscores the Commission’s determination to hold political parties accountable. “Registration is not symbolic—it is a constitutional responsibility. Non participation and failure to comply with disclosure norms cannot be ignored,” a senior officer said.
Reacting to the development, Chhattisgarh BJP spokesperson Shiv Narayan Pandey said, “The Election Commission is a vibrant constitutional institution, and this action falls within its responsibility. It also reflects the Commission’s proactive approach in ensuring compliance with constitutional guidelines.”
Political observers see the development as particularly significant for Chhattisgarh, where several smaller and largely inactive political outfits continue to exist on paper.
According to senior journalist and political analyst Yashwant Dhote, “Such dormant entities not only distort the state’s political landscape but also create potential loopholes for financial irregularities. Their removal strengthens transparency and ensures that electoral competition remains fair and meaningful.
”With Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh still three years away, the move is expected to set a precedent in streamlining the state’s electoral process and may force surviving smaller outfits to demonstrate their relevance more effectively.
