The Election Commission of India has identified 15 political parties in Bihar that have stayed inactive for six years. These parties have not contested any election since 2019.
Registered parties enjoy privileges like election symbols, tax exemptions, and other benefits under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The law allows the Commission to withdraw recognition if parties stop taking part in the democratic process.
Earlier, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) sent notices to these parties and held hearings in September. A few parties explained their stand. Most of them ignored the notice. The CEO has now sent a full report to the Election Commission.
The list of inactive parties includes Bharatiya Awam Activist Party, Bharatiya Jagran Party, Bharatiya Yuva Janshakti Party, Ekta Vikas Mahasabha Party, Gareeb Janata Dal (Secular), Jai Janata Party, Janata Dal Hindustani, Loktantrik Janata Party (Secular), Mithilanchal Vikas Morcha, Rashtrawadi Yuva Party, Rashtriya Sadbhavna Party, Rashtriya Sadbahar Party, Vasudev Kundunkam Party, Vanshudhav Jan Vikas Dal, and Young India Party.
The Election Commission will soon decide whether to mark them as inactive or remove them from the registry. This step aims to ensure that only active parties enjoy electoral benefits.
