CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR – A massive fire broke out at the NCP candidate’s office in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar late last night, sending shockwaves through the local political circles. The blaze, which started around 11 PM, rapidly engulfed the entire structure, reducing campaign materials, furniture, and election documents to ashes.
NCP leader Abhijit Deshmukh, who was campaigning vigorously in the area, arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was reported. Speaking to reporters amid the charred remains, Deshmukh did not mince words. ‘This is a blatant sabotage by the opposition desperate to derail our campaign,’ he declared, pointing fingers at rival parties. ‘They can’t win through votes, so they’re resorting to arson.’
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene. ‘We saw thick black smoke billowing from the windows. By the time fire tenders arrived, the roof had collapsed,’ said local shopkeeper Ramesh Patil. Firefighters battled the flames for over two hours, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit, but Deshmukh dismissed this as ‘convenient excuses.’ He demanded a thorough probe by a special team, alleging political rivals had infiltrated the office. ‘Our workers had noticed suspicious individuals loitering around earlier in the evening,’ he added.
The incident comes at a crucial juncture in the election campaign, with just weeks left before polling day. NCP supporters rallied outside the gutted office this morning, chanting slogans against the opposition. Deshmukh vowed the attack would only strengthen their resolve. ‘This fire has ignited our fighting spirit. We will rebuild bigger and better,’ he said.
Local authorities have registered a case of arson and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas. Political analysts see this as a sign of escalating tensions in the constituency, where NCP and rivals are locked in a fierce battle. As investigations continue, the people of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar await answers to what many now view as a calculated strike against democracy.