PATNA, Oct. 23 -- The exercise for the Patna University Teachers' Association (PUTA) election moved forward on Thursday after officials broke the lock on the association's office in the presence of Proctor Suraj Deo, chief electoral office (CEO) Prof NK Jha, other executive committee members and other local police stationed at the university. "The very first day 22 nomination forms were sold. The process has begun. The lock was broken in the presence of all and videography was also done. The two almirahs in the PUTA office were also sealed under videography. The election committee members were also present," said Jha, adding nominations would be filed on October 24 and 26. The election is scheduled for November 4. The PUTA election, last held in 2023 for a two-year term, is already delayed, and the association has been functioning without an elected president since the retirement of Dr. Abhay Kumar on January 31. The proctor also said that the election process has commenced under the CEO, who would give details of the election. Uncertainty had surrounded the PUTA election after the office locks were changed, following opposition from a group unhappy with a 'requisitioned meeting' requested by over 300 teachers. That meeting had unanimously resolved to dissolve PUTA immediately and call for fresh elections. The CEO was empowered to sanction and manage all requisite budgetary expenses incurred in connection with fresh PUTA polls. The keys of PUTA office was also handed to the CEO and subsequently a 29-member core central election committee was constituted. However, when the office of PUTA was found locked on October 15, 2026, the matter was brought to the notice of PU Proctor and the university administration through a letter and the issue was resolved on Thursday....