Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?

RPA 1951 provided the right to register political parties to ECI, however, there is no right to organise a political party. Procedure to register party: (1) Right to form political party is protected by Art 19 - right from association. (2) The party members come together and propose the name to ECI (3) The name has to be decent, without hurting sentiments and dignity, shouldn't be derogatory (4) If ECI is satisfied, it approves the name (5) ECI put allows parties to choose a symbol for the party; it shouldn't assemble any existing party symbol (6) Either parties can provide their own & can select from the list of symbols available & with ECI Registered Unrecognised Political party RUPP: (1) Parties are registered with ECI (2) Dont are neither national nor state parties (3) They fall under unrecognised party (4) Provisions: - 40 star campaigners allowed (40 for recognised parties) - (30 proposers for nomination of candidate (1 for recognised) - If there is death of candidate from RUPP, ECI may not declare election void or call for re-election [but it does for recognised party] - Recognised parties get dedicated air time on AIR & DD & other state funded communications [RUPP don't get] Concerns for RUPP: (1) Lack of funding to these parties - they can't campaign with full potential (2) usually driven by local concerns - hence can't attract other regional votes (3) Don't have a set agenda - one flexible to the needs of the hour (4) At times, run by one leader, without much internal democracy (5) Organisational structure is weak and (6) Prioritise minority outcomes - without much vitalisation of ideological stands Thus, a further filling by ICT based advertisment can give a new hope for RUPPS and help them play key role in electoral political