BJP's Gautam Gambhir challenges AAP leader Atishi over alleged derogatory pamphlets

East Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Atishi Marlena on Thursday broke into tears while reading a pamphlet containing derogatory and abusive remarks against her which she alleged was distributed in the constituency by Gautam Gambhir, her BJP opponent. The pamphlet headlined 'Atishi Marlena-Know your candidate', also uses abusive language about Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

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Atishi said, "Mujhe sirf itna puchna hai ki agar mahila ke baare mein aesi baat likh sakte hai toh Delhi ki mahilayo ki suraksha ki jimmewari kaese le sakte hai? (I just want to ask that if such things are written about women then how can you take the responsibility of the women of Delhi?)"

Atishi was accompanied by Sisodia during a press conference in the national capital.

Reacting to the allegations, Gambhir severely criticised CM Kejriwal and accused him of outraging a woman’s modesty. He further challenged Kejriwal and Atishi saying that if proven true, he will withdraw his candidature immediately. He also questioned the duo that if proven otherwise, will they quit politics.

"I feel ashamed to have a CM like Arvind Kejriwal. My Challenge no.2 ArvindKejriwal AtishiAAP. I declare that if it's proven that I did it, I will withdraw my candidature right now. If not, will u quit politics. I abhor your act of outraging a woman’s modesty @ArvindKejriwal and that too your own colleague. And all this for winning elections? U r filth Mr CM and someone needs ur very own झाड़ू (broom) to clean ur dirty mind," tweeted Gambhir.

I feel ashamed to have a CM like @ArvindKejriwal — Chowkidar Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 9, 2019

My Challenge no.2 @ArvindKejriwal @AtishiAAP
I declare that if its proven that I did it, I will withdraw my candidature right now. If not, will u quit politics? — Chowkidar Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 9, 2019

I abhor your act of outraging a woman’s modesty @ArvindKejriwal and that too your own colleague. And all this for winning elections? U r filth Mr CM and someone needs ur very own झाड़ू to clean ur dirty mind. — Chowkidar Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 9, 2019

Speaking on the incident, Kejriwal accused Gambhir of stooping low and said it is "precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against".

Taking to Twitter, he said, "Never imagined Gautam Gambhir to stoop so low. How can women expect safety if people wid such mentality are voted in? Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for u. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against."

Never imagined Gautam Gambhir to stoop so low. How can women expect safety if people wid such mentality are voted in?

Atishi, stay strong. I can imagine how difficult it must be for u. It is precisely this kind of forces we have to fight against. https://t.co/vcYObWNK6y — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 9, 2019

Calling Atishi his sister, Sisodia tweeted, "Mr @GautamGambhir! You want to be elected by distributing these handbills against me and Atishi? Shame on you Mr Gambhir! People of East Delhi know me and Atishi very well but through these handbills, you have introduced yourself. This is your character."

"मेरा गंभीर जी से बस एक यही सवाल है के अगर वो मेरे जैसी एक सशक्त महिला को हराने के लिए इतना गिर सकते तो सांसद बनने के बाद वो अपने क्षेत्र की महिलाओं को कैसे सुरक्षित करेंगे।" - @AtishiAAP pic.twitter.com/SWAb1xyUfh — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 9, 2019

BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir circulated derogatory pamphlet about @AtishiAAP in East Delhi constituency. Language in this pamphlet is so abusive and low that everybody will feel ashamed while reading it - @msisodia pic.twitter.com/CarlHgppz7 — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 9, 2019

We would clapped for Gambhir when he used to bash opponents with fours and sixes while playing for India but we never in our worst dream, had thought that this man would stoop this low to win an election : @msisodia pic.twitter.com/wgK5bxzmM6 — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 9, 2019

Sisodia also asked how could Gambhir stoop to such a low level and write such comments. He also said that the party will approach the Election Commission (EC) on this matter.