The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates for five years, but the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which was known as PFI’s political arm, has escaped the ban. An SDPI functionary said they are an independent organisation and not connected to the PFI.
A senior government official said since SDPI is a recognised political party, any action will have to be initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Ministry of Home Affairs did not respond to calls from The Hindu.
The SDPI was formed on June 21, 2009 in Delhi. It was registered with the ECI on April 13, 2010. In contrast, the PFI and its associate organisations are registered under the Societies of Registration Act, 1860.