In Pune, police officers knocked on the doors of a political campaign firm. This firm works for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party faction. The visit happened just before crucial civic body elections in Maharashtra.
Police Action During Campaign Season
A team from the Pune City Police Crime Branch arrived at the DesignBoxed office on Tuesday. This firm manages the political campaign for Ajit Pawar's NCP group. The office sits in the Wakdewadi area of Shivajinagar, Pune.
The police presence sparked immediate speculation. It occurred as campaigning for civic elections reached its final hours. Voting for these local body polls is scheduled for Thursday.
Official Explanations Emerge
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar provided clarification. He stated this was not a raid. Instead, police received an oral complaint about a disturbance.
"The police team had gone to verify the complaint," Kumar explained. "The complaint involved some quarrel between staff members at the firm. After verification, the team found nothing actionable."
Commissioner Kumar emphasized the routine nature of the visit. He said officers simply followed standard procedure after receiving the complaint.
Political Response and Unity
Ajit Pawar responded through a detailed Marathi post on social media platform X. He confirmed the police visit to DesignBoxed's Pune office. The firm is led by Naresh Arora.
"The officers had gone there to gather information," Pawar wrote. "During their process, necessary information was provided with full cooperation. No objectionable matter or irregularity was found."
The Deputy Chief Minister made the party's position very clear. He stated the NCP stands firmly behind Naresh Arora and DesignBoxed. The party respects legal processes and cooperated fully with authorities.
Pawar urged people to avoid spreading confusion or rumors. He emphasized that conclusions should only come from facts. The NCP articulated its position with patience and responsibility.
Broader Political Context
This incident occurs against a complex political backdrop. The Nationalist Congress Party split in 2023. Since then, factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have been rivals.
However, for these civic body elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, the factions have joined hands. This alliance makes the police visit particularly noteworthy during sensitive campaign timing.
Sunil Tatkare, state president of Ajit Pawar's NCP, commented briefly. He noted the party chief already issued a statement. Tatkare said police found nothing during their visit and declined further comment.
Election Implications
The police verification visit raises questions about campaign activities. Political observers note such visits during election periods often attract attention. They can influence public perception just before voting begins.
DesignBoxed plays a crucial role in managing Ajit Pawar's campaign strategy. The firm's work includes messaging, outreach, and voter engagement. Any scrutiny of their operations naturally draws political interest.
Both police and party officials have downplayed the incident's significance. They present it as routine procedure rather than political investigation. Yet the timing ensures it remains a talking point in final campaign discussions.
As Pune prepares for civic polls, all eyes remain on how such developments might affect voter decisions. The NCP alliance hopes to maintain momentum despite this unexpected police interaction with their campaign team.
