The Election Commission of India (ECI) has canceled the recognition of 42 political parties in Tamil Nadu. These parties have been inactive and did not contest elections in the past six years.This action is part of a nationwide effort to remove inactive parties. Across India, 474 parties have been delisted, including 121 in Uttar Pradesh and 44 in Maharashtra.
The affected parties also failed to submit the required election expenditure reports. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, parties must contest elections regularly and file financial disclosures to maintain their registration.
Some of the delisted parties in Tamil Nadu include Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam, Makkal Neethi Katchi, and Tamil Nadu Peasants and Workers Party. The ECI had previously sent notices to 24 parties in June 2025, giving them a chance to respond before taking action.
The ECIās move aims to streamline the electoral system and ensure that only active and compliant parties remain recognized. Further actions are expected against 359 additional parties that have not met the required criteria.