NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are likely to lose their national party status following their performance in the Lok Sabha elections. This is because they did not get the seats or votes needed for the national party status. Following the 2019 general election, some parties have urged the Central Election Commission to postpone the status of parties till the 2024 elections. CPI, NCP and Trinamool Congress had approached the commission.

The commission had issued a notice to the parties on July 18 asking them if there are any reasons on why their national party status should not be revoked. They have been asked to respond to the notice by August 5. The CPI, the BSP and the NCP were facing the prospects of losing their national party status after their dismal performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as well. Following the request of parties, the commission decided to take a decision after one more general election.

In the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the CPI got only two members. They are from Tamil Nadu. According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party can be recognised as a national party if its candidates secure at least six per cent of votes polled in four or more states in Lok Sabha or assembly elections, and, in addition, it has at least four members in the Lok Sabha.