Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP)
- Newly registered or not fulfilling criteria for recognition.
- May not have contested elections since registration.
- Benefits:
- Tax exemption (Sec. 13A, IT Act, 1961).
- Eligibility for common poll symbols (on contesting ≥5% seats).
- Can nominate 20 star campaigners.
- Obligations:
- Contest elections periodically.
- File annual audit & contribution reports.
- Disclose donations > ₹20,000; no cash donations > ₹2,000.
Registered Parties
- Registered under Section 29A of RPA, 1951.
- Benefits:
- Can accept voluntary contributions.
- Preference in symbol allotment.
- Tax exemption (Sec. 13A, IT Act, 1961).
- Condition: If not contesting for 6 continuous years → de-registration.
- Can later gain state/national recognition under EC’s Symbol Order (1968).
Recognition Benefits
- Reserved, exclusive election symbol.
- Free broadcast on Doordarshan & AIR.
- Higher campaign expenditure limit.
- Free electoral rolls.
Recognition Criteria
State Party (fulfil any one):
- Win 3% of Assembly seats.
- Win 1 Lok Sabha seat per 25 allotted for state.
- Get 6% votes + 1 LS / 2 Assembly seats.
- Secure 8% votes in LS/Assembly election.
National Party (fulfil any one):
- 6% votes in 4+ states + 4 LS MPs.
- 2% LS seats (≥11) from ≥3 states.
- Recognised as state party in 4+ states.
- Recognition reviewed after every election.