NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday issued a show-cause to Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) asking why their recognition as a national party should not be withdrawn given their any longer fulfilling the condition of recognition as a state party in four states after the recent Lok Sabha poll.

Sources in EC said that as per a review of the performance of the three parties in last two elections in the states where they were recognised, Trinamool Congress no longer fulfils criteria for state recognition in Arunachal Pradesh, even as it retains the status in West Bengal, Tripura and Manipur. NCP’s performance, on the other hand, falls short for recognition in the states of Meghalaya and Goa, even at it meets the criteria in Maharashtra and Nagaland. CPI, meanwhile, is recognised only in three states of Kerala , Tamil Nadu and Manipur, even as norms require a party to be recognised as a state party in four states to enjoy the status of a “national party’.

The response of the said parties has been sought by August 5. Though the derecognition will be as per vote share/strength of members elected, there have been past precedents of parties seeking deferment of a decision in view of an approaching poll. Since Maharashtra elections are due later this year, NCP will likely raise this demand. However, it will be up to EC to take a call.

An officer said in case any of the parties seek a hearing on the matter, a two-week notice may be given. Sources said that unless any party raises a convincing issue to stretch the arguments, EC may decide by the end of August.

EC had last amended its the recognition norms to provide for review of national and state party status of political parties every 10 years instead of five.

According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party is recognised as a national party if its candidates secure at least six per cent of votes polled in at least four or more states in Lok Sabha or assembly elections, and, in addition, it wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.

It should also win 2% of total Lok Sabha seats (11) from at least 3 different States.

