Registered unrecognised political party

Polity & Governance glossary

Also called: RUPP · Topic: Political Parties, Party Systems and Anti-defection · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 7 "Elections"; Class 10, Ch 4 "Political Parties"

Meaning

A registered unrecognised political party (RUPP) has registered with the ECI under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951 but has not met the tests to be recognised as a national or state party. Registration still brings benefits:

  • the right to accept contributions;
  • exemption from income tax;
  • up to 20 star campaigners (well-known leaders who campaign for the party).

A RUPP has no reserved symbol. Its candidates usually contest on free symbols, and it can ask for one common free symbol for all its candidates.

Example

Most of India's registered parties are RUPPs. Before the 2025 clean-up drives there were 2,854 of them. In August–September 2025 the ECI delisted 808 inactive RUPPs.

Don't confuse with

  • Recognised political party: a party that meets the vote and seat tests. It gets a reserved symbol, free broadcast time and up to 40 star campaigners.

Related concepts

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