The Aam Aadmi party yesterday levelled outrageous allegations against cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, accusing him of distributing pamphlets to defame AAP candidate from East Delhi constituency Atishi Marlena.
The pamphlet refers to Marlena as ‘Sisodia’s keep’ and a ‘prostitute’. The letter goes ahead to assassinate not only Marlena’s character but also that of Manish Sisodia. In response, Gautam Gambhir claimed that the said derogatory letter was actually written and published by Aam Aadmi Party itself. The former cricketer has also sent a defamation notice to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Marlena and Sisodia in the matter.
Now, the cricketing fraternity has come out to defend Gautam Gambhir against the allegations. Stalwarts of Indian cricket have testified to Gambhir’s integrity and have asserted that he is not capable of saying the things mentioned in the pamphlet.
VVS Laxman, who is himself spoken very highly of in the cricketing community for his humble nature, said on Twitter, ” can vouch for his integrity, character and the respect he has for women.”
Shocked to hear about yesterday’s developments. Having known @GautamGambhir for nearly 2 decades, I can vouch for his integrity, character and the respect he has for women.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 10, 2019
Harbhajan Singh, too, admitted that he was shocked to hear the allegations made against 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,” he said.
I am shocked to note yesterday’s events involving @GautamGambhir. 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 Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 10, 2019
Nitish Rana, a budding cricketer who has made a name for himself after performing very well in this year’s IPL, too has tweeted in Gambhir’s support.
I stand with @GautamGambhir bhaiya https://t.co/3v3P4QGdKL
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) May 10, 2019
Gautam Gambhir has always been well respected in the cricketing fraternity. He earned a lot of goodwill last year when he wore a saree and bindi in support of the transgender community. Thus, the allegations against him have come as a deep shock to many.