Gautam Gambhir accused of fielding body double by AAP

New Delhi: A fearless opener who took some of the world-class pace attacks head-on during his playing days has found himself on a sticky wicket ever since he took a plunge into politics. Former India cricketer and BJP’s East Delhi candidate Gautam Gambhir is embroiled in two controversies on two days, but the much-needed support has come from his former teammates.

Mr Gambhir has been accused by Aam Aadmi Party of distributing derogatory pamphlets against its candidate Atishi Marlena who broke down while reading “the obscene” parts of the pamphlet at a media conference. She alleged that Mr Gambhir distributed the pamphlets at housing societies in East Delhi.

While Gambhir sent defamation notices to three AAP leaders, the cricketer’s former teammates threw their weight behind him on social media.

“Shocked to hear about yesterday’s developments. Having known Gautam Gambhir for nearly two decades, I can vouch for his integrity, character and the respect he has for women,” VVS Laxman tweeted.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said Mr Gambhir would never talk ill of women. “I am shocked to note yesterday’s events involving Gautam Gambhir. I know him well and he can never talk ill of any woman. Whether he wins or loses is another matter but the man is above all this,” he said.

Even before the pamphlet row could die down, another controversy has erupted. Delhi’s deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alleged on Friday that Mr Gambhir has fielded a “body double” to campaign for him to escape from the searing heat.  He also shared pictures of the alleged impersonator.

“Have heard about a stunt double in movies, a runner in cricket, but have seen a duplicate in the campaign for the first time,” Mr Sisodia said.

"This is the mahamilawat between the Congress and the BJP. Gautam Gambhir is sitting in an air-conditioned car. He has a problem with the heat. In his place, a duplicate wearing a cap is standing. Workers are garlanding the duplicate Gambhir. And this duplicate is a Congress leader in reality," he added.

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