Was Returning Officer for AIPNBOA Elections 2025 appointed without approval? What’s the Truth?

AIPNBOA Elections 2025-28 are scheduled to be held on 23 November 2025. This date was decided in the CEC meeting held in Mumbai on 13 October 2025. This time, Shri Dilip Saha and Shri Sreekumar are contesting for the post of General Secretary.

But before the elections, controversy has started over the appointment of returning officers. Some Officers are saying that the returning officer was appointed without the approval of the CEC. This has raised serious questions over the conduct of elections.

Amidst this ongoing controversy, around 100 circles of the AIPNBOA have released a letter confirming their support for the appointment of the Returning Officer. A group of Central Executive Committee (CEC) members has issued a detailed clarification about the CEC meeting held on October 13, 2025, in Mumbai.

Also Read: AIPNBOA (PNB) Elections Date 2025-28 Announced! Check Date, Candidates and Election Process

Also Read: Kerala High Court Orders AIPNBOA to conduct Fair and Transparent Elections

What CEC Group said?

The members explained that the meeting was held mainly for one constitutional purpose: the appointment of a Returning Officer. The agenda notice issued on September 30, 2025, also included routine items such as confirmation of minutes of previous CEC meetings, the General Secretary’s report, and deciding the venue for the General Council. As per Clause 5(e) of the AIPNBOA Constitution, the appointment of the Returning Officer required approval from the CEC.

Because the agenda was limited, an online meeting was first considered, but some members objected. To maintain transparency and avoid confusion, it was decided that a physical meeting would be held in Mumbai. The organizers said it was difficult to find a hall at short notice for 139 Circle Presidents and Secretaries. After searching many venues, a hall near the airport was booked, but the only available slot was at 7 p.m. They believed the time was enough since the agenda was short and focused.

The members stated that a particular group created disruptions from the beginning of the meeting. They shouted slogans, tried to create disorder, and attempted to create an atmosphere of fear. The situation became so serious that the hotel staff and security had to intervene and even warned that the police might be called if the disturbances continued. The members stated that this behaviour was inappropriate and embarrassing for an organisation representing officers of a nationalised bank.

In the meeting, the General Secretary presented his report and formally introduced the agenda of appointing the Returning Officer. He proposed the name of Shri Asok De, who had successfully handled the AIPNBOA elections in 2015, 2018, and 2022. The members said that Shri Asok De is known for fairness, transparency and a strong understanding of organisational procedures and legal rules. Even losing candidates in previous elections had never questioned his conduct.

Also Read: AIPNBOA (PNB) Elections Date 2025-28 Announced! Check Date, Candidates and Election Process

The CEC members said that more than 75 percent of those present raised their hands in favour of appointing Shri Asok De as the Returning Officer. They said that all 181 signatories to their statement were present and supported the proposal, proving that the necessary majority was achieved and the agenda was validly approved.

They also mentioned that AIPNBOA has 139 units in total (138 circles and the Head Office). This letter, addressed to the General Secretary of AIPNBOA, has been signed by Secretaries and Presidents of around 100 Circles.