"We don't have power to de-register such parties. We are going to hold talks with the Centre in May-June on our reform proposals, including on such political parties," he said. He expressed concern over the registered political parties which do not contest polls but said the Commission has no power to de-register them.
There were roughly over 700 such political parties out of about 1,000 which have not contested polls. Asked about Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's frequent demand that the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls should be held simultaneously, Chawla said he will not comment on the matter.
He said this plan was first suggested by former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and asked what will happen in case an elected government loses majority soon after winning polls.
Published 10 April 2010, 13:43 IST