Obscene pamphlet controversy: Harbhajan Singh stands by former India colleague Gautam Gambhir

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has found politics to be a murky affair after he decided to contest the ongoing Lok Sabha election on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) ticket. The 37-year-old joined BJP a couple of months ago and is contesting the election from East Delhi constituency which was won by BJP candidate in the 2014 General Elections.

Gambhir is pitted against the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Atishi Marlena and the two have found themselves in the middle of a controversy in the run-up to the polls on May 12. On Thursday, Atishi alleged in a press conference that her BJP opponent was distributing pamphlets containing “obscene and derogatory” remarks against her in the constituency and even broke down twice while addressing the press.

Gambhir hit back denying the allegations and also sent defamation notice to his rival besides Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Gambhir also spoke on the matter on a series of tweets and said he would withdraw his candidature if it is proved that it was done by him. Also, the 37-year-old cricketer-turned-politician asked Kejriwal whether he would quit if it is not.

The leaflet that the AAP claimed to have been distributed in the constituency in lakhs of numbers, called the candidate a “prostitute”, “beef eater” and a “very good example of a mixed breed”. Speaking about it, Atishi broke down saying how women would feel safe if somebody like Gambhir gets elected.

Another candidate in the fray at the East Delhi constituency is Congress’s Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Gambhir above all this

Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh stood by his former colleague Gambhir side on the matter and said he could never believe the former cricketer speaking ill about a woman. In a tweet, the Turbanator said I am shocked to note yesterday’s events involving Gautam Gambhir. I know him well and he can never talk ill for any woman. Whether he wins or loses is another matter but the man is above all this.

Harbhajan and Gambhir had played for India for a long time and were members of the two World Cup-winning squads in 2007 and 2011 led by MS Dhoni. Harbhajan is currently playing in the Indian Premier League for Chennai Super Kings and has taken 14 wickets from nine games.

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