The Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT) is facing the prospect of losing its official political party status after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a formal show-cause notice citing prolonged electoral inactivity.

The ECI’s notice points out that under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, recognised political parties must actively participate in elections to retain their registration.

However, official records reveal that the INPT has not contested a single Lok Sabha, State Assembly, or bye-election since 2019 — marking more than six years without any electoral presence.

According to the Commission, such inactivity amounts to the party having “ceased to function as a political entity” as per legal provisions. The ECI has therefore proposed removing INPT’s name from the list of registered political parties.

Before finalising its decision, the Commission has given the party until August 28, 2025 (forenoon) to submit a written defence, supported by an affidavit from the president or general secretary, along with any relevant evidence. A personal hearing has been scheduled for 3 pm the same day at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Agartala.

The notice warns that if the INPT fails to respond within the deadline, the Commission will proceed with delisting the party without further correspondence.