The Election Commission has issued notices to 17 unrecognised political parties ahead of the Bihar elections. These parties have not contested any elections since 2019. Delisting could occur if a response is not received within 10 days.
Bihar Election 2025: In view of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the Election Commission of India has increased its monitoring of political activities in the state. As part of this, the Commission has issued show cause notices to 17 unrecognised political parties. These notices have been issued because these parties have not contested any elections since 2019. The Commission has clarified that if a satisfactory response is not received within 10 days, these parties may be delisted (registration cancelled).
Where the Notice Was Issued
This notice has been issued from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar, located at 7 Sardar Patel Marg, Patna. The notice is signed by Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Singh. This notice has been publicized in newspapers, which also includes the names of all 17 political parties.
Commission's Objection: Taking Benefits but Not Contesting Elections
The Election Commission has stated that registered political parties receive various facilities and benefits under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These include allocation of election symbols, tax exemptions, and publicity exemptions. However, the 17 concerned parties have not contested any elections since 2019.
In this context, the Commission has questioned these parties as to why they should be given the facility of registration when they are not contesting any elections. The Commission has stated that if these parties do not respond by July 21st or do not appear with evidence, then delisting action can be taken against them.
Party Representatives Called to the Office
The notice states that representatives of the concerned political parties have been called to appear with evidence and present their case. The Commission says that further action will be taken based on their arguments and documents. Complete information related to this will be sent to the Election Commission of India later.
Parties That Have Received the Notice
The names of the 17 political parties to whom the Election Commission of India has sent notices are as follows:
- Bharatiya Backward Party
- Bharatiya Suraj Dal
- Bharatiya Yuva Party (Democratic)
- Bharatiya Jantantra Sanatan Dal
- Bihar Janata Party
- Desi Kisan Party
- Gandhi Prakash Party
- Humdardi Janrakshak Samajwadi Vikas Party (Jansevak)
- Krantikari Samyavadi Party
- Krantikari Vikas Dal
- Lok Aawaz Dal
- Loktantrik Samta Dal
- Rashtriya Janata Party (Bharatiya)
- Rashtrawadi Jan Congress
- Rashtriya Sarvodaya Party
- Sarvajan Kalyan Loktantrik Party
- Vyavsai Kisan Alpsankhyak Morcha
