The Election Commission of India has suspended the recognition of the PA Sangma’s National People’s party for its ‘failure’ to file the election expenditure statement for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.  In a first-of-its-kind action a recognised state party in Meghalaya has lost its recognition as a State Party.

The ECI has use its powers under Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 “for its failure to follow the Lawful directions of the Commission”. The National People’s Party, an alliance partner of the ruling NDA.

Following a Supreme Court judgement in the case of Common Cause Vs Union of India, EC had earlier issued instructions to all political parties to file their election expenditure statement within 75 days of assembly elections and 90 days of Lok Sabha elections.

The Commission had issued two reminders to the National People’s Party to submit the required statement for Lok Sabha election 2014 after the due date had long expired on August 26, 2014. The party had requested time to submit its expenditure statement by April 15, 2015 and again May 15, 2015 “but failed to honour the deadline”.